Tropical Storm Barry is inching closer to it’s an estimated 7AM landfall near Morgan City, and once hitting the land it looks like the system will be moving northwest, as opposed to earlier forecasts that showed a more northern path. State Climatologist Barry Keim says several feet of storm surge is predicted along the coast starting in the next 12 hours, but the biggest concern is still the 10-20 inches of rain that will fall across south Louisiana, particularly on the east side of the track.
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 if you see flooded roads, remember don’t drown, turn around…
Cut 10 (08) “…let’s just be safe.”
check 5-1-1-la-dot-org for road closures.
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.”
Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event with dangerous flooding isolated areas as Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards they also expect to conduct search and rescue missions
Individuals who are rescued by first responders could be taken to the state’s mega-shelter in Alexandria.