Nate could still strengthen to a Category 2 storm before the center moves over the mouth of the Mississippi River in the next few hours, forecaster said. But the storm is “sending mixed signals” on its organization.
Hurricane Nate “is about out of time to strengthen” from Category 1 and will weaken rapidly after landfall, the National Hurricane Center said in a 4 p.m. update .
Just before 4:45, the NHC cancelled hurricane watches for Ascension, Livingston, Lower and Upper Lafourche, St. James and Upper Terrebonne. Both the storm surge warning and hurricane watch for Lower Terrebonne were also cancelled.
Nate could still strengthen to a Category 2 storm before the center moves over the mouth of the Mississippi River in the next few hours, forecaster said. But the storm is “sending mixed signals” on its organization.
There is a “good complex of outer bands” on the northeastern side, and there are “hints of an eye trying to form,” but there are signs that vertical shear is starting to affect the storm, forecasters said.
Nate was 50 miles south of the Mississippi River at 4 p.m. with winds at 90 mph. The National Hurricane Center has lifted the storm-surge warning and hurricane watch for areas west of Grand Isle. A hurricane warning remains in place from Grand Isle to the Alabama-Florida line and for metro New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
Stay with NOLA.com for updates.
