Jefferson Parish officials say Grand Isle is unhabitable and it might take five years to put the island back together after Hurricane Ida completely destroyed nearly 50 percent of the structures on the state’s only inhabited barrier island.

In Lafourche Parish, Captain Brennan Matherne with the sheriff’s office says every structure in the parish has sustained some sort of damage and there are also flooding issues…
cut 9 (13) “…some how’

Meanwhile, gas prices are on the rise as Hurricane Ida has slowed production and there are also gas shortages throughout southeast Louisiana. Gas Buddy’s Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says he knows of one refinery that took on water…
cut 6 (10) “…longer lasting”

Louisiana has received a waiver from the federal government that allows food stamp recipients to purchase hot food products for immediate consumption. DCFS Secretary Shavana Howard says the same hot food waiver will apply once disaster food stamps are approved. She encourages residents to pre-register for disaster food stamps
cut 11 (11) “…as well”

The Saints are looking at spending the next month in the Dallas area because of Hurricane Ida devastation that has left New Orleans nearly powerless. Coach Sean Payton says they are in the same position as the city’s residents…
Cut 13 (15) “…to that yet.”
The Saints are scheduled to kick-off the regular season on September 12th against the Green Bay Packers, but that game could be played in Dallas.

The first damage assessment from Grand Isle has come in and Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says the vacation and fishing town is uninhabitable as there is three feet of sand across the entire island and 40-percent of the buildings are completely destroyed.

Significant property damage also occurred in Lafourche Parish. Erik Piccoli has more…
cut 2 (30) “….I’m Erik Piccoli”

There is a glimmer of hope this morning. Power has returned to a few neighborhoods in New Orleans East.

Expect gasoline prices to rise over the next couple of weeks. Gas Buddy’s Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan says the price could go up five to 15 cents…
cut 4 (11) “…these refineries”
There’s also a shortage of gas in southeast Louisiana. Hammond officials say there is no more gas in their city and Ascension Parish leaders say they need fuel.

The federal government is allowing food stamp recipients in Louisiana to use their SNAP cards to purchase hot foods prepared for immediate consumption. But restaurant purchases are still prohibited. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavanna Howard says the same waiver would apply once Disaster Food Stamps are available…
cut 12 (12) “…those benefits’

Governor John Bel Edwards is in southeast Louisiana, getting a first-hand look at the devastation Hurricane Ida left behind. In St. Charles Parish, officials there say it may take at least a month before power is restored. Edwards is hopeful some hurricane victims will get power back before then…
cut 11 (10) “…being restored”
Edwards is asking evacuees not to try and return to their home until state and local officials say it’s safe to do so.

Even though Hurricane Ida is long gone, flooding is still a concern in Tangipahoa Parish. Parish President Robby Miller says the Tangipahoa River is expected to crest well above flood stage at 25 feet at Robert during the overnight hours
Cut 12 (10) “…people flooded
Miller says homes along the Tangipahoa River are already starting to flood. And in Hammond, officials say there is no more gas in the city.

If you experienced damage from Hurricane Ida, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU has announced its Baton Rouge campus will remain closed for the rest of the week and classes will resume Tuesday, September 7th.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says the team is planning to stay away from New Orleans for the next month. The team has been re-located to Dallas and may stay there and play their season opener against Green Bay at the home of the Cowboys, A-T-and-T stadium.

Southeast Louisiana faces many challenges after Hurricane Ida ravaged that part of the state. Power is a big issue. Entergy and Cleco are still assessing the damage and do not have firm deadlines, but many customers could be without electricity for weeks. Governor Edwards says about one-million customers are without power…
cut 15 (15) “…possibly can”
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says Ida’s wrath is the worst damage he’s ever seen…
cut 11 (11) “…this parish’
Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida should register with FEMA for disaster aid. You can do so at disaster-assistance-dot gov. Call 1-800-621-3362.

The city of New Orleans is without power and water and they are set to host an NFL game in the Superdome in less than two weeks. Kevin Gallagher has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has donated one million dollars towards Hurricane Ida relief. The Saints also say the Superdome only suffered minor damage from Ida. The non-profit group Every Warrior is collecting supplies that will be delivered to southeast Louisiana. Items can be dropped off at 400 Viking Drive in Bossier City.

Many difficult days are ahead for those in the path of Hurricane Ida. Power could be out for weeks in certain areas and many will have to do repairs on their homes after Ida moved over southeastern Louisiana with 100-mile per hour plus winds. Governor Edwards encourages residents to adhere to local curfews and for those who’ve evacuated to only return when it is safe to do so…
cut 16 (10) “….through this”
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says if you evacuated from the Northshore, wait a few more days before returning. He says for residents still in the area….
cut 13 (11) “…hurricane itself”
Jefferson Parish officials are looking at busing their residents out as they could be without power for at least 21 days.

With generator usage skyrocketing following the landfall of Hurricane Ida, Louisiana residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with generator safety tips. Erik Piccoli has the story….
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 71-year-old man is missing after an encounter with an alligator. Deputies say the victim’s wife was in her Slidell home when she heard a commotion outside to see a large alligator attacking her husband. Authorities say she ran to her husband’s aid and when the attack was over she went inside and then came back out to find her husband gone.