On Sunday, Hurricane Ida became the fifth strongest hurricane ever to hit the U.S. mainland after making landfall near Port Fourchon, LA. With sustained winds of 150 miles an hour and gusts up to 172 mph, Ida was just shy of a Category 5 Hurricane.

Here in Broward, we know all too well how damaging hurricanes can be. Our hearts are with Louisiana, Mississippi, and its neighboring states that are directly impacted by Hurricane Ida. 

Here is what we know so far: 

• All eight transmission lines that deliver power to New Orleans are out of service, leaving only generator power in place. At least 1 million people in Louisiana and another 100,000 in Mississippi are without power. Some sewage pumps have failed.
• With a hurricane of this magnitude, power outages typically last weeks, and possibly months. Trees snap or are uprooted and power poles fall, isolating residential areas. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage, including losing roof structures and exterior walls. Much of the area will likely be uninhabitable for weeks or even months.

Here is what you can do: You can donate to the Jewish Federation of Broward County's Global Disaster Relief Fund - Louisiana & Mississippi to support their immediate and long-term recovery needs.