Ida has been further downgraded to a category one and is now pushing through northern Livingston and Tangipahoa Parish after cutting directly between Baton Rouge and Hammond.
There are reports of extensive flooding in Laplace with as much as six feet of water in some neighborhoods. Ida seemingly parked over Laplace for two hours after moving on from Houma bringing severe storm surge from Lake Ponchartrain and rainfall.
The national weather service reports a levee near Lafitte and Jean Lafitte failed and called for everyone in the area to immediately seek higher ground due to a flash flood emergency.
There’s growing concern that it could take an extended period of time before power is restored to the New Orleans area after a transmission tower was taken down several hours ago. The public service commission reports a million households are now without power.
President Joe Biden vows to send an “army” of support to southeast Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The President approved Governor Edwards’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration earlier Sunday, and Edwards says every state resource at our disposal is ready to move in and help in recovery and rescue efforts once the winds dissipate in a few hours.
With power out and homes flooded thousands of Louisianans are expected to need state shelter in the coming days. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says if you need shelter call 2-1-1, and listen to local officials…