A new U.S. Geological Survey coastal change forecast predicts a decrease in impacts due to Hurricane Sally. However, some sandy beaches in Mississippi may still be heavily damaged by Hurricane Sally, while beaches in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida may see moderate to minor damage. The most current version is always available on the USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal.
In the new forecast, Mississippi is still expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s strong waves and surge, but the number of sandy beaches forecast to be inundated, or continuously covered by ocean water, has been reduced to 4%. This is the most severe type of storm effect on coastal beaches, with flooding behind the dunes that may affect coastal communities. Louisiana beaches will also encounter some inundation with 2% of Louisiana’s beaches projected to be inundated. Alabama’s sandy beaches are no longer expected to see any inundation.
Hurricane Sally’s coastal erosion effects are expected to occur mostly from Breton National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana through Alabama beaches west of Mobile Bay.
Continue reading at USGS.
Image via USGS.