Louisiana's Future: Examining The Impact Of Investment Act 92

In June 2023, Invest 92L, a broad low-pressure area located in the Gulf of Mexico, threatened to bring severe weather to southern Louisiana. The system was expected to become a tropical depression by Wednesday or Thursday, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to the region. In preparation, multiple parishes in Southern Louisiana made sandbags available to residents. While the storm's impact on Louisiana was uncertain, there were concerns about potential changes in the forecast, particularly the track, and the possibility of landfall.

Invest 92-L's formation in the Atlantic

Invest 92-L, also known as Storm 92, is a tropical wave that formed in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023. It was located in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic, several hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted that Invest 92-L would likely become a tropical depression by early to mid-week as the system moved westward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

Invest 92-L was expected to produce a "broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms," according to the NHC. Environmental conditions were conducive to further development, and the odds of Invest 92-L forming into a tropical depression increased to 30% over two days and 70% over seven days. The system was moving westward at 15 to 20 mph, and most weather models predicted strengthening and a northward turn.

If Invest 92-L had developed into a tropical storm, it would have been the second named tropical storm of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season and would have been named Bret. An "invest system" is an area of disturbed weather being monitored for potential tropical development. Once the NHC identifies an investigative area, spaghetti forecast models are applied to forecast future tracking.

In June 2024, Invest 92-L approached the east coast of the United States and was monitored closely by the NHC as it moved closer to the southeast coast. It was expected to approach the Florida and Georgia coasts and could have become a short-lived tropical depression. However, the chances of it becoming a tropical depression decreased over time.

The potential impact on South Louisiana

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been tracking the progress of Invest 92-L, a low-pressure system that could have an impact on South Louisiana. At the time of writing, Invest 92-L is located about 150 miles east of the Bahamas and is moving west-northwest at 10-15 mph. While the NHC has not ruled out the possibility of this area of storms strengthening into a tropical depression, it is important to note that as of June 22, the chances of formation for Invest 92-L were 0% for the next two to seven days.

The effects of Invest 92-L are already being felt along the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas in the form of dangerous rip currents. Wind gusts have increased to 40 mph along the South Carolina coast, and there is a high risk of rip currents along the east-facing beaches in the area. These conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

Whether or not Invest 92-L strengthens into a tropical system, it will bring showers and storms to the southeastern United States. Rainfall totals are expected to be between 1-2 inches, with some localized spots seeing more than 2 inches of rain. These conditions could potentially impact South Louisiana, depending on the exact path of Invest 92-L.

It is important for residents of South Louisiana to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts from Invest 92-L. The NHC and other weather organizations will continue to monitor the progress of this system and provide updates as necessary. While the exact path and intensity of Invest 92-L remain uncertain, residents should follow the instructions of local officials and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

The potential impact on Central Florida

Invest 92L, a broad low-pressure area located over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, is expected to have a range of impacts on Central Florida. While the system's effects are not anticipated to be as severe as in South Louisiana, where flooding rainfall is the primary threat, Central Florida can still expect enhanced rain chances, breezy conditions, and dangerous swimming and surfing conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Jacksonville, Florida, predicted that Invest 92L would move across North Central Florida late on Thursday night and Friday morning, bringing with it the potential for numerous showers, embedded thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds. However, they noted that the system appeared to be moving too fast to become a significant tropical system. The main threats posed by Invest 92L in Central Florida were expected to be lightning strikes, localized gusts, and brief heavy downpours.

The system's impact on Central Florida was also expected to include rough surf conditions, with wave heights ranging between 5 and 7 feet. This posed a danger to ongoing surfers and led to warnings about the high risk of rip currents. Additionally, there were concerns about beach erosion due to the combination of winds and rain.

While the exact track of Invest 92L remained uncertain, with possibilities ranging from southeast Louisiana to the Texas-Louisiana border, its northward trajectory reduced some severe weather threats in Central Florida. Residents further north were more likely to experience high winds and tropical downpours.

The potential impact on New Orleans

Invest 92L, a broad low-pressure area located over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, is expected to become a tropical depression and impact south Louisiana. While the exact track and strength of the storm are still uncertain, there are several potential impacts on New Orleans that should be considered.

One of the primary threats to New Orleans is flooding rainfall. The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center projects about 4-6 inches of rain, but these totals could change drastically depending on the storm's strength and landfall. Some computer models even hint at the possibility of double-digit rainfall totals in parts of south Louisiana. This could lead to significant flooding in New Orleans, especially in low-lying areas.

Another concern is the storm surge from the system, which is expected to cause the Mississippi River to rise to 19 feet at the Carrollton Gauge in New Orleans. This is 2 feet above the official flood stage and could result in flooding in areas near the river. The National Weather Service also notes that they have never had to prepare for the combined assault of a tropical storm and a high-water event on the Mississippi River, which presents unique challenges.

Southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans, will also experience higher than normal tides, with predictions of at least 2 feet above normal beginning as early as Thursday and continuing through Saturday. If the storm strengthens, these tides could be even higher. This could result in coastal flooding and erosion in New Orleans, impacting infrastructure and properties.

The speed at which the system moves after landfall is also a factor that will influence the impact on New Orleans. A slower-moving system would result in higher rainfall totals, potentially exacerbating flooding concerns. Additionally, the track of the storm is still uncertain, with landfall possibilities ranging from southeast Louisiana to the Texas-Louisiana border. This makes it difficult to predict localized impacts accurately.

In preparation for the storm, Royal Dutch Shell evacuated all non-essential personnel from its offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans residents should also take necessary precautions, such as stocking up on emergency supplies, securing their properties, and staying informed about the latest developments and instructions from local officials.

The potential impact on the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a vital waterway for agriculture and trade, but it has faced challenges due to natural fluctuations in its flow and the impacts of climate change. In January 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a plan to invest over $829 million in improvements to the lock and dam systems on the Mississippi River. This investment aims to address the aging infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of the waterway for transporting goods.

The Mississippi River has long been a crucial transportation route for Midwestern farmers, providing a means to export and import goods. However, the locks and dams along the river have been in need of updates, with some being over 80 years old. The investment plan includes improvements to 29 locks and dams on the upper Mississippi River, with eight sets located in Iowa and three more in Illinois.

The investment in the Mississippi River lock and dam systems is expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency of transportation and trade along the river. By addressing the aging infrastructure, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to reduce delays caused by the river's natural fluctuations and enhance the waterway's capacity for moving goods. This is particularly important in the wake of historic flooding events in 2011 and 2019, which caused significant destruction and impacted river towns and farm fields.

In addition to the improvements in transportation efficiency, the investment in the Mississippi River lock and dam systems may also have indirect effects on the surrounding ecosystems and communities. By enhancing the river's capacity to support trade and agriculture, the investment could contribute to economic growth and development in the region. Additionally, addressing the issues of recurring flooding may help mitigate the risks faced by river towns and farmlands, reducing the potential damage caused by extreme weather events.

However, it is important to note that the Mississippi River also faces challenges due to climate change, which has heightened the river's tendency for dramatic seasonal shifts in water levels. These shifts often result in rerouting ships and causing delays, impacting the cruise business and tourism in the area. While the investment in lock and dam systems may help mitigate some of these issues, addressing the underlying causes of climate change will be crucial for the long-term sustainability and health of the Mississippi River ecosystem.

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