Category 1 Hurricane Nate makes landfall in Mississippi

Hurricane Nate came ashore near the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday, October 7, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Nate is the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the US in the past two months.

At Category 1 strength, Nate brought winds of up to 85 mph and torrential rains to the coastal region of Mississippi and Alabama, according to an Oct. 8 press release by modelling firm AIR Worldwide.

The highest recorded surge levels topped off at between 4 and 5 feet. Heavy rainfall between 3 and 6 inches (10 inches in some isolated locations) across a large swath of the South is expected as Nate, now downgraded to a tropical depression and rapidly weakening, continues to track inland.

Reported structural damage to buildings has been limited thus far. There were also very few reports of flood damage from Nate’s surge.

According to AIR, some structural damage to homes and businesses is possible, as well as a weakening of some foundations caused by heavy rain and surge, with some homes removed from their foundations entirely. Roads and bridges, including escape routes, could also get washed out, leading to closures.

Nate’s winds may cause damage to roofing and siding materials, porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Mobile homes, especially those that are unanchored, could experience significant wind damage, and unsecured, lightweight objects could become airborne and cause damage as projectiles, particularly to windows, which could allow water into structures.

Offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico evacuated platforms and rigs in the path of Hurricane Nate. No physical damage has yet been reported to offshore assets.

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