Hurricane Zeta, a Category 2 storm, is expected to slam New Orleans with a direct hit on Wednesday afternoon. Forecasters said the hurricane will likely bring life-threatening storm surge and strong winds along the Gulf Coast.
Zeta, the 27th named storm this year, was located about 235 miles south-southwest of New Orleans, with maximum winds of 90 mph, National Hurricane Center said in its afternoon advisory. Louisiana’s governor, Jon Bel Edwards, has requested emergency aid from President Trump to help with recovery efforts.
The worst of Zeta will be over New Orleans between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time, with very strong winds of around 50-70 mph and gusts over 80 mph, and perhaps even 100 mph, according to CBS affiliate WWL-TV. Winds at that speed would likely cause tree and power line damage, along with power outages in the area.
