NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 14: Luis A. Sanabria puts plywood over the windows of a business in the historic French Quarter before the possible arrival of Hurricane Sally. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Sally: 09/14/20

U.S. Gulf Coast residents from Louisiana to Florida should prepare for Tropical Storm Sally, which is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall on Tuesday.

There is uncertainty over the specific timing and location of Sally’s landfall, as well as its ultimate intensity level. Severe weather conditions will last, however, for several days in multiple states. The storm is expected to generate destructive hurricane-force winds; torrential rain; life-threatening storm surge; flash flooding; isolated tornadoes; and widespread power outages.

Sally will be the eighth named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. this hurricane season. Previous 2020 landfalls include Hurricanes Hanna, Isaias and Laura as well as Tropical Storms Bertha, Cristobal, Fay and Marco.

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida residents in the path of Sally should take the following precautions:

  • Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet’s evacuation plan.
  • Make sure you have a minimum seven-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a one-week supply of medications for everyone in your household.
  • Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse.
  • Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights.
  • Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds.
  • Fill your car’s gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cyclone.