Delta continues to push deeper into central Louisiana bringing hurricane-force gusts and tropical storm force winds to most of the state and Flash Flood Emergencies in at least two areas, those being central Louisiana near Alexandria and southwest Louisiana.
Rainfall totals have ended up on the higher end of the projected six to ten-inch totals and in some areas exceeded them. We’ve seen reports of up to 17 inches in some parts of the southwest and 12 inches and climbing in Alexandria. Due to this rapid accumulation of water residents from Lake Charles to Alexandria are encouraged to find higher ground specifically if they are in already low lying areas.
High speed gusts are wiping the state, and have knocked out power to 230,000 total households and climbing in the state between Entergy and Cleco combined. 7,000 linemen stand prepositioned in Louisiana to respond once the winds dissipate just before sunrise.
Delta was a category two when it made landfall in the small community of Creole in Cameron Parish around 6 PM. It became the 4th named system to make landfall in the state this year, and the 10th to make landfall in the US breaking a record of nine set in 1916.
The system is not weakening nearly as quickly as it was thought it would. The storm may maintain hurricane strength as it passes Alexandria and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele saysin the morning we will likely see a good deal of wind damage.
The storm is expected to be out of the state before the sun rises tomorrow.