HURRICANE Ida slammed into Louisiana on Sunday, killing at least one man and knocking power out in all of New Orleans leaving locals to deal with the aftermath as the storm downgraded.
A 60-year-old man was confirmed to be the first casualty of the devastating storm after deputies said he was killed by a downed tree on Sunday.
The massive storm plowed ashore as an extremely powerful Category 4 storm exactly 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.
On Sunday, Ida’s winds reached a strength of 150mph, ranking tied for the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the mainland United States.
Ida gradually downgraded in strength as it passed over New Orleans, becoming a Category 1 storm just after midnight.
The wild winds meant that more than one million were hit by power outages in Louisiana.
The Mississippi River rose by nearly seven feet due to the storm surge and the strong winds actually caused the water to flow in the opposite direction.
Dozens were reported to be trapped after rainfall and storm surge from Hurricane Ida caused several levees to overtop.
President Joe Biden warned those in the path of the storm to "please follow the instructions of local officials during this dangerous time".
“As soon as Hurricane Ida passes, we will put this country’s full might behind your rescue and recovery," he said.
Read our Tropical Storm Ida live blog for the latest news and updates...
ALABAMA RAINS
The remnants of Hurricane Ida begin hitting Alabama in the form of rain.
POWER OUTAGES
Devastation is being observed today in Louisiana after hurricane-force winds tore through these communities.
Over 1 million people are without power in the state of Louisiana. #LAwx
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) August 30, 2021Rescue efforts continue as over one million Louisiana residents are still without power.
WRECKAGE
Local meterologist shares a photo of his hometown Houma, LA which has been "slammed" by Hurricane Ida.
FLOODING BEFORE AND AFTER
Twitter user shares a photo of intense flooding in Laplace, Louisiana this morning.
TORNADO WARNINGS
A tornado warning was issued in Malcolm and confirmed in Mount Vernon, Alabama.
AFTERMATH
Sharing some pics of #Ida’s damage around town. This is an extremely hazardous situation and we encourage everyone to stay off the roads. 911 service remains out at this time.
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) August 30, 2021Oxygen Exchange sites are open, where oxygen-dependent residents can get a free full tank. Open at 8am-6pm:
2920 Magazine St
5403 Read Blvd
2500 General de Gaulle DrCall the Special Needs Registry at 504-658-2558 if you need help. #Ida
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) August 30, 2021Morning #Ida updates in #NOLA:
🚨911 remains out
🔌Power remains out
⚠️Downed trees & power lines in roads
🦺Emergency personnel assessing damage & responding to incidentsAlthough severe weather has passed, continue to stay indoors, off roads & avoid hazards!
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) August 30, 2021NOLA Ready, the city's emergency preparedness campaign has been providing updates throughout Ida including power outages, available resources, and warnings of debris and descruction.
DEATH TOLL TO RISE
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told MSNBC Monday that as rescue efforts increase, he expects the death toll to "go up considerably throughout the day."
RESCUE EFFORTS
Today, approximately 5,300 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from four states have been activated to support our federal, state and local partners respond in the wake of Hurricane Ida. #Ida
— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) August 30, 2021Almost 5,300 National Guard members from four states have been activated to assist in rescue and relief efforts following the hurricane.
This includes 195 high-water vehicles, 73 rescue boats, and 34 helicopters.
In response to Hurricane Ida:
-More than 3,600 FEMA employees are deployed
-17 urban search and rescue teams are staged
-Hundreds of air and ground ambulances are staged
-FEMA has deployed more than 3.4 million mealsPlease, continue to follow the direction of local officials.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 30, 2021MASS FLODDING
Local journalist Justin Mitchell shared a photo of the intense flooding in Mississippi.
200K WITHOUT POWER
According to PowerOutage.US, over 200k residents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are without power due to the hurricane.
DELAYED REENTRY
VENTILATED BY HAND
A hospital in Thibodaux lost power and a backup generator stopped working, causing doctors and nurses to ventilate their patients by hand through a bad, according to Newsweek.
"Due to the unknown impacts that the storm may still produce we are closely monitoring the situation," the staff stated. "We continue to provide a safe environment for our patients and staff."
STILL WITHOUT POWER
17 INCHES IN 20 HOURS
ONE HOUR TIME LAPSE
STRONG WINDS
VIEW FROM NEW ORLEANS
BEFORE AND AFTER
NEW ORLEANS FIRE DEPT. SHARES PHOTOS OF ROOF OFF BUILDING
ROOF IN GALLIANO, LOUISIANA BLEW OFF
BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NEW ORLEANS
BOILING WATER ADVISORY ISSUED
‼️ We are issuing a Boil Water Advisory for the entire East Bank of Jefferson Parish due to the loss of pressure in the distribution system. 💧 Customers will need to boil their water as a precaution until this boil water advisory has been rescinded.
— Jefferson Parish (@JeffParishGov) August 30, 2021ABANDONED VEHICLE HALF-SUBMERGED IN DITCH IN MISSISSIPPI
Credit: AP 'SIMPLY TERRIFYING' FOOTAGE OF HURRICANE IDA
SECTION OF ROOF BLEW OFF IN NEW ORLEANS' FRENCH QUARTER
Part of a roof is spotted on the ground in New OrleansCredit: AFP
