#12,800
Overnight T.S. Nate was upgraded to CAT 1 hurricane status, as it continues to move quickly towards the northern Gulf coast. Some strengthening is still possible and Nate could be approaching CAT 2 strength at landfall sometime after midnight tonight.
Conditions along the Gulf coast will begin to deteriorate later today, and everyone in the path should rush to complete their preparations.While not a monster storm of the class of Irma, Harvey, or Maria - Nate is still capable of causing serious damage and loss of life. New Orleans has issued a Mandatory citywide curfew to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, and Plaquemines Parish ordered mandatory east bank evacuation late yesterday.
Although expected to move through quickly, rainfall could severely test New Orleans' pumping system, and some localized flooding is expected. Inland flooding, far removed from Nate's landfall, could also pose a hazard on Sunday and into Monday.
Here are this morning's Key Messages from the NHC.
