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