By now, you should have let your families and friends know your plans, and be well on your way to being fully prepared for Hurricane Ida. The storm is expected to make landfall Sunday night as a Category 4 hurricane, but the point of landfall is currently far enough west that we expect tropical storm conditions in New Orleans with possible gusts up to that of a Category 1 storm.

The City of New Orleans has now called for a voluntary evacuation. Ida is now a hurricane and is predicted to become a Category 3 or 4 storm before making landfall west of us. The current forecast for our area predicts tropical storm conditions, but the concern remains a last minute shift, as well as the possibility of heavy rain far from the storm’s center.

The current forecast still predicts that the storm will hit well west of us, but regardless, it seems that we are in for serious weather on Monday. We will officially cancel classes on Monday, and close except for essential personnel. This also gives you more ability to evacuate if you choose.

There is still a lot of uncertainty around the forecast for Tropical Storm Ida, but our weather partners are now predicting that it may make landfall on the central Louisiana coast Sunday afternoon. In New Orleans, we can expect to experience tropical weather conditions as early as late Saturday night, continuing into Monday.

We are monitoring a tropical disturbance that is predicted to impact the New Orleans area this weekend. The main threat will be from heavy rain.

Now is a good time to gather supplies and review your hurricane plans. For a refresher on what to do before, during and after a weather emergency, read the information on this website.

Please stay weather aware over the coming days. We will advise if we anticipate any changes to university operations as a result of this system.

With the forecast calling for some mix of rain, plummeting temperatures and possible ice and sleet, classes are cancelled for Monday, February 15. Dining, the sports complex and library will remain open. And, the Lundi Gras event will be moved indoors to the St. Charles room.