First at forecasting, AccuWeather led in predicting Ida’s rapid intensification and powerful impact
Summary
As Ida brewed offshore, AccuWeather meteorologists were first to deliver key forecasts, giving businesses crucial warnings and helping save lives.
Key Highlights
AccuWeather’s initial forecast accurately predicted that Ida would make landfall as a Major Hurricane
5 days before Ida made landfall, AccuWeather warned Gulf Coast businesses a hurricane was likely; they would need to prepare quickly
AccuWeather issued its first track forecast for Ida 3 hours before the National Hurricane Center
Predicting Ida's Power
By now we have all become familiar with Hurricane Ida’s catastrophic impact. The storm is estimated to have cost nearly $95 billion in total damage and economic losses. Its damaging winds and major flooding swept across nearly 20 states from the Gulf Coast up to New England.
Time is critical for preparation before dangerous hurricanes come ashore. AccuWeather led the way when it came to advance warning and forecasting for Ida. Three days before Ida formed in the Western Caribbean, our experts successfully predicted the system would intensify into a hurricane and warned Gulf Coast businesses that their time to prepare would be extremely limited. In addition, AccuWeather issued its first track forecast for Ida 3 hours before the National Hurricane Center issued theirs. And when it came to predicting intensity at landfall in Louisiana, our team accurately estimated that Ida would come ashore as a Major Hurricane (at least Category 3) a day before the NHC estimation, giving residents and businesses critical preparation time. Damaging wind predictions and heavy flooding alerts were also “on point.” Our meteorologists increased the AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM to 180 mph, 24 hours ahead of landfall. The estimate was confirmed by local ships at port in Louisiana the next day as the hurricane struck. And in the northeast, our team predicted heavy rain leading to widespread flooding which closed roads, caused significant damage and led to multiple casualties.
