Gordon may reach ‘Cat 1’ status

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Tropical Storm (TS) Gordon lashed South Florida with heavy rains and high winds Sept. 3 and is expected to strengthen into a “Cat 1” hurricane before making landfall on the northern Gulf Coast. The TS is still moving west-northwest at 17 mph and expected to reach hurricane strength by the time it hits coastal Louisiana and Mississippi late Sept. 4. From there, it is forecast to move inland over the lower Mississippi Valley on Sept. 5. A storm surge warning has been issued for the area stretching from Shell Beach, La., eastward to Dauphin Island, Ala. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the city has "the pumps and the power" needed to protect its residents. Yet, authorities issued a voluntary evacuation order for areas outside the city's levee protection system, including the Venetian Isles, Lake Saint Catherine and the Irish Bayou areas. Additionally, TS Florence continues to hold steady over the eastern Atlantic. Forecasters say little change in strength is expected in the coming days, and no coastal watches or warnings are in effect. (Source: Associated Press 09/03/18)