The official track of Tropical Storm Barry has moved slightly to the west, with a landfall closer to Cameron Parish. Maximum sustained winds are at 65 miles per hour and the National Hurricane Center still projects Barry to strengthen to a hurricane before reaching the coastline. Phil Grigsby is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service…
cut 16 (07) “…be upgraded”
Barry is expected to dump 10 to 20 inches of rain over south-central and southeast Louisiana. The slow-moving storm has given the state time to prepare, but Governor Edwards says with every storm there is the great unknown…
cut 10 (11) “…has severed it”
Barry is moving a little faster in a west-northwest direction at five miles per hour.

The United Cajun Navy has mobilized at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge ahead of what is expected to be a severe flooding event from Barry’s rainfall. Founder Todd Terrell says the riverboat casino is a good spot to gather, with its central location in the soon-to-be inundated region.
Cut 3 (09) “.there”
Terrell says if you are interested in volunteering with the Navy, go to their Facebook page and leave a message, or download an app called ZELLO.

Barry’s track shows the storm is not just a south Louisiana problem as forecasts show the system will likely be a tropical storm as it moves right over Alexandria early Sunday morning. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says local officials worked hard to prepare, but he’s seen less urgency from some of his constituents…
Cut 12 (08) “…that.”

Storm shelters are available and calling 211 is the best way to stay up to date with shelter openings in your area…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed his confidence in the state’s readiness for Barry.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The United Cajun Navy has mobilized at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge ahead of what is expected to be a likely flooding event brought by Barry’s rainfall.

Founder Todd Terrell says the riverboat casino is a good spot to gather, with its central location in the soon-to-be inundated region.

Cut 3 (09) “.there”

They’re putting the call out for additional volunteers to assist in post-storm flood rescue and recovery, but Terrell says with the conditions they are expecting, not all boats are a good fit…

Cut 4 (10) “…things”

Terrell says if you are interested in volunteering with the Navy, go to their Facebook page and leave a message, or download an app called ZELLO.

Cut 5  (10) “…hands” 

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Several shelters have opened to provide residents refuge from the effects of Barry. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says you can keep track of different shelter locations by listening to your parish leaders, but the best way to get that info is dialing 2-1-1.

Cut 6 (12) “…will be”.

Walters adds 2-1-1 will likely be a more up to date and reliable method of finding shelters than relying on lists published online.

The Secretary says if you are heading to a shelter, bring personal hygiene items, medications, and you don’t need to worry about food because you will be fed and taken care of, but…

Cut 7 (12) “…suitcases.”

Good news for pet owners, as state shelters will have pet facilities. But not every shelter will be a state-run operation, and Walters says you should check ahead of time to make sure your local shelter is pet-friendly.

Cut 8 (08) “…set up.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is confident in the state’s ability to handle the wrath of Tropical Storm Barry.  Edwards says on Wednesday, New Orleans pumping operations were given a test, and they did fairly well…

Cut 9 (12) “…out of 120 pumps worked.”

Edwards says no matter how prepared a state may be, a storm like Barry is always a wild card.

Cut 10 (11) “…has served it.”

Many have questioned why the Army Corp of Engineers has not opened the Morganza Spillway in response to the storm.  Edwards says an operation of that magnitude takes about ten days to stage, and it would be redirecting river water to places that didn’t need any more water.

Cut 11 (09) “…were gonna go.”

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Barry’s track shows the storm is not just a south Louisiana problem as forecasts show the system will likely be a tropical storm as it moves right over Alexandria early Sunday morning. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says local officials worked hard to prepare, but he’s seen less urgency from some of his constituents…

Cut 12 (08) “…that.”

Alexandria is in for some rough weather, but further to the south, the system will trigger severe flooding, which will likely require rescues and evacuations. Luneau says the state’s mega shelter located near LSU-Alexandria is ready

Cut 13 (11) “…home.”

People rescued during search and rescue operations will be taken to this shelter.

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Barry is expected to make landfall later this morning as a Category 1 Hurricane. National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says the storm appears to be getting better organized.

Cut 14 (09) “…look at it.”

While the risks associated with storm surge appear to have fizzled out, the strong threat still remains with excessive rainfall and possible tornado activity.

Cut 15 (10) “…higher amounts.”

Grigsby says planes are flying through the storm collecting data to get a better picture of the storm

Cut 16  (12) “out there”  

The latest advisory on Tropical Storm Barry shows a more western track and a landfall likely closer to Cameron Parish. Its rainbands have begun to move onshore. Still anticipating a dangerous storm surge, heavy rain and wind conditions expected across the north-central Gulf Coast. As of four A-M, Barry is 55 miles southwest of Morgan City, with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour. It’s moving west north-west at five miles per hour. And there’s good news regarding the Mississippi River, the crest in New Orleans has been lowered to 17 feet.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he feels confident in the state’s ability to handle the wrath of Tropical Storm Barry. Edwards says on Wednesday, New Orleans pumping operations were given a test, and they did fairly well…
Cut 9 (12) “…out of 120 pumps worked.”

Storm shelters are opening across the state and calling 211 is the best way to stay up to date with shelter openings in your area…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state’s mega shelter located near LSU-Alexandria is ready to hold two-thousand evacuees. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau…
cut 13 (11) “…home”
People rescued during search and rescue operations will be taken to this shelter.

The 10PM advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates Tropical Storm Barry continues to creep closer. The advisory shows the storm to be 75 miles south of Morgan City. National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says the storm appears to be getting better organized.

Cut 24 (17) “…New Orleans”

At this time, Barry is still considered a tropical storm, but the upgrade to cat 1 hurricane status is still expected before landfall.

Cut 25 (11) “…out there”

It appears the storm surge is less of a threat than originally forecast, with the Mississippi River levels expected to peak out just above 17 feet.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards expects Barry will produce numerous power outages mainly caused by trees falling on power lines

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

Individuals who are rescued by first responders could be taken to the state’s mega-shelter in Alexandria.

Caddo and Bossier Parish deputies have been deployed to Baton Rouge as part of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Task Force.  Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bobby Herring says rescue teams and equipment are making the trip at the request of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office. Herring says deputies that remain back in their jurisdiction will likely also be very busy with concerns created from the storm.

Cut 13 (09) “…could be dangerous.”

The 10PM advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates Tropical Storm Barry continues to creep closer. The advisory shows the storm to be 75 miles south of Morgan City. National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says the storm appears to be getting better organized.

Cut 26 (09) “…storm”

Heavy rainfall is still a major concern, but Grigsby says tornado warnings are now being issued in portions of coastal Louisiana.

Cut 27 (11) “…our pumps”

It appears the storm surge is less of a threat than originally forecast, with the Mississippi River levels expected to peak out just above 17 feet.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards says the National Hurricane Center predicts 10 to 20 inches over south-central and southeast Louisiana, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches

Cut 6 (14) “…to drain”

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Barry is expected to close numerous roads, especially south of Interstate 10. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says check 5-1-1-la-dot-org for road closures

Cut 9 (08) “…across the state”

Mallett says the slogan he likes to use during heavy rainfall events, don’t drown, turn around, which means don’t drive through high water.

The 10PM advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates Tropical Storm Barry continues to creep closer toward Morgan City at a rate of 3 miles per hour. The advisory shows the storm to be 75 miles south of Morgan City. Maximum sustained winds are at 65 miles per hour. There’s been debate as to whether or not the system will be a tropical storm or hurricane when it makes landfall, but, State Climatologist Barry Keim says, either way, the amount of rain will be nearly identical.

Cut 5 (09) “…storm”

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Barry is expected to close numerous roads, especially south of Interstate 10. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says in preparation for this flash flooding event, D-O-T-D crews have been cleaning out ditches

Cut 11 (11) “…our pumps”

President Trump makes a federal declaration of emergency for Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry approaches.  Congressman Garret Graves says with an imminent disaster, there are many uncertainties and it is vital government officials and residents to be over prepared.

Cut 15 (08) “…to under prepare.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is looking at a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry shows signs of strengthening into a hurricane. Jeff Palermo has the story….

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The 10PM advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates Tropical Storm Barry continues to creep closer toward Morgan City at a rate of 3 miles per hour. The advisory shows the storm to be 75 miles south of Morgan City. Maximum sustained winds are at 65 miles per hour. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s still some uncertainty, but forecasters are increasingly confident about the system’s track.

Cut 3 (11) “…Louisiana”

Caddo and Bossier Parish deputies are being deployed to south Louisiana as part of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Task Force.  Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bobby Herring says rescue teams and equipment are making the trip at the request of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 12 (11) “…high water trucks.”

President Trump makes a federal declaration of emergency for Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry approaches.  Congressman Garret Graves says the declaration allows for Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Cut 14 (09) “…for this storm.”

Graves says there are open lines of communication between the Bayou state and DC and says the feds are keeping a finger on the pulse of the situation.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards says they also expect to conduct search and rescue missions

Cut 8 (14) “…staging areas.”

It appears the storm surge his less than originally forecast, with the Mississippi River levels expected to peak out just above 17 feet.

The most recent advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates Tropical Storm Barry continues to creep closer toward Morgan City at a rate of 3 miles per hour.  The advisory shows the storm to be 75 miles south of Morgan City. Maximum sustained winds are at 65 miles per hour.

Barry appears set to slam into south-central Louisiana and inundate the region with incredible levels of rainfall. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards expects Barry will produce numerous power outages mainly caused by trees falling on power lines

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

It appears the storm surge his less than originally forecast, with the Mississippi River levels expected to peak out just above 17 feet.

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Barry is expected to close numerous roads, especially south of Interstate 10. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the slogan he likes to use during heavy rainfall events, don’t drown, turn around, which means don’t drive through high water

Cut 10 (08) “…let’s just be safe.”

Mallett says in preparation for this flash flooding event, D-O-T-D crews have been cleaning out ditches

Tropical storm Barry is slowing moving towards the southern Louisiana coastline, according to the National Weather Service in their 10 o’clock advisory. It’s still expected to turn toward the northwest and come ashore early Saturday near Morgan City as a Category 1 Hurricane. It is expected to weaken once it makes landfall.  It’s still clocking 65 mph winds and the pressure has remained constant since 7 o’clock. Good new for New Orleans as the Mississippi River is now expected to crest three feet lower than previously forecasted and is not expected to top the levees.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the biggest concern with this storm is the 10-20 inches of rain that will fall across south Louisiana, particularly on the east side of the track.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now.”

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Barry is expected to close numerous roads, especially south of Interstate 10. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says check 5-1-1-la-dot-org for road closures

Cut 9 (08) “…across the state”

Mallett says the slogan he likes to use during heavy rainfall events, don’t drown, turn around, which means don’t drive through high water

The system will move from Morgan City to Lafayette, and then into north Louisiana Sunday morning as a tropical depression. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bobby Herring says that’ll keep authorities busy…

Cut 13 (09) “…could be dangerous.

Herring says deputies that remain in their jurisdiction will likely also remain very busy with concerns created from the storm.

At 7pm The National Weather Service reports that Tropical Storm Barry is 85 miles south southeast of Morgan City with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm has been meandering a bit in the past few hours but is expected to resume a motion toward the west-northwest near 4 mph.  Barry is then expected to turn towards the north Saturday or Sunday.  The center of the storm will approach the south-central coast of Louisiana tonight and then make landfall over the south-central Louisiana coast on Saturday.  Strengthening is forecast before landfall, and Barry is still expected to be a hurricane when the center reaches the coast tomorrow.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says in preparation for flash flooding crews have been cleaning out ditches

Cut 11 (11) “…our pumps”

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is looking at a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry shows signs of strengthening into a hurricane. Jeff Palermo has the story….

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

President Trump makes a federal declaration of emergency for Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry approaches.  Congressman Garret Graves says there are open lines of communication between the Bayou state and DC and says the feds are keeping a finger on the pulse of the situation.