Governor Edwards is encouraging you to be prepared for a significant rain and storm surge event from a storm system that’s expected to strengthen into a Category One Hurricane and make landfall in southwest Louisiana over the weekend. Edwards anticipates a storm surge near the mouth of the Mississippi River between three and four feet. The River is already at a very high level and Edwards says there will likely be overtopping of levees in Plaquemines Parish
Terrebonne Parish could get the brunt of what may be Hurricane Barry. With up to 15 inches of rain forecasted to fall in Houma through Monday. Director of the Terrebonne Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Earl Eues says they have several sandbagging areas for residents and business owners.
Cut 10 (09) “…storm surge flooding.”
That tropical system creeping towards the state is expected to develop into Hurricane Barry and make landfall on the southwestern Louisiana coast on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says even if the storm does make landfall in the southwestern portion of The Boot, the system’s current track will have it slowly creep past the southeastern coast, bringing storm surge.
National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Erickson is predicting that storm system will bring Ten-to-15 inches of rain to the Bayou state. Levees in New Orleans are built to handle 20 to 21 feet river levels. Erickson says another concern that comes with this storm is the possibility of tornados.
Cut 5 (06) “…some tornadic areas.”
We will continue to update you on the storm system.