'Zeta is right at our doorstep': Storm strengthens to Category 2 hurricane as Louisiana braces for impact

(Independent)

Hurricane Zeta has gained strength as it speeds towards Louisiana’s coastline, bracing for impact from the third hurricane to hit the state within two months.

The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon near the southeastern coast, striking the New Orleans metropolitan area, which has been in the “cone” of impact for seven storms over an unusually active Atlantic storm season that has devastated southwestern parts of the state.

Winds of up to 100 mph are expected in the New Orleans area this evening.

“Zeta is right at our doorstep,” Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said at a briefing.