Hurricane Delta is now once again expected to maintain hurricane strength as it heads inland Friday evening, possibly as far in as Alexandria. The track has the system making landfall in central Cameron Parish before moving northeast across the state, keeping tropical storm strength as it passes through the Delta Parishes.
Due to Delta slowing down a bit it is now anticipated that more rain than was previously expected will fall. Current estimates put that number at 5-10 inches across southwest and parts of central Louisiana with isolated pockets of 15 inches possible.
Governor Edwards says along with heavy rains expect some potentially life-threatening levels of storm surge due to the system gaining size now that it has made its way into the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re in southwest Louisiana you are about out of time to evacuate should you want to do so ahead of Hurricane Delta. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for Calcasieu, Allen, Jeff Davis, and Cameron Parishes. Lake Charles Mayor Nick Hunter asks you to please leave the city, and do it soon…
Cut 11 (06) “…today to evacuate.”
Voluntary evacuation orders are in effect for Lafayette and Acadia Parishes. Lafayette Consolidated Government spokesperson Jamie Angelle says if you must stay you can, but Friday likely won’t be very pleasant…
In a brief non-Delta news update it appears at least six Missouri players have tested positive for COVID before this Saturday’s game against LSU and will not be available. Kickoff is still set for noon Saturday.