Extreme Weather: Hurricane Zeta Makes Landfall In Louisiana, Rapidly Intensifies
Hurricane Zeta made landfall Wednesday afternoon in southeastern Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane. The region is expected to see heavy rainfall before it moves to the Appalachians, the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic.
"Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding continue to be expected," the National Weather Service reported.
The eye of Hurricane Zeta was moving over New Orleans at 6:51 p.m. ET., according to the service.
At 6 p.m. local time, the storm was unleashing 105 mph winds as it moved north at 25 mph.
The Associated Press reported that a local official in an area southeast of New Orleans said authorities received calls about roofs being torn off.
Hurricane Zeta hit just south of New Orleans, in the fishing village of Cocodrie, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. The storm moved in the direction of New Orleans at 24 mph.
At about 4:30 p.m. local time, Golden Meadow, Louisiana, which is located near the coast, reported sustained winds of 83 mph with a gust of 105 mph.
The National Hurricane Center issued a warning to residents of the region.
"Don't venture outside when the calm eye of the hurricane passes over, as dangerous winds will return very quickly when the eye moves away," the National Hurricane Center said. "Stronger winds, especially in gusts, are likely on high rise buildings."
Social media has provided a glimpse of the damage.
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