The entire state has been declared a state of emergency. Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to Shreveport, West Monroe and Franklinton to assess the destruction from the storm. He says although they have not come up with an estimate on the damage yet, he expects it to be quite high.

cut 12 (05) “of dollars”

Edwards says the state government has met all of the requests for resources that his office has received. He says the cost for reparations may pose a problem for the legislature, given the fiscal deficit the state is facing, so he will look to the federal government for additional money and resources.

Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Dawson Primes says his parish is seeing a lot of water.

CUT 5 (09)  “that much water”

Primes says the forecast for the river levels is skyrocketing because of water coming down from north Louisiana. He says so far they have rescued about 500 people.

Much of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Saturday afternoon. Chris Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell says rainfall totals varied throughout the state, and some areas got about 17 inches of rain in just 12 hours. He says we could still get up to 5 more inches of rain, which could be an issue for people near the rivers.

CUT 8 (05) “currently have”

The Louisiana National Guard has rescued more than 1,000 citizens, over 200 pets and 16 livestock. They have also distributed over 12,000 bottles of water and issued 324-thousand sandbags.

In other news, a state judge has sentenced a former priest in Lake Charles to two life sentences, plus 50 years for sexually abusing two altar boys in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mark Broussard was convicted on five counts, including two counts of aggravated rape.

And a Baton Rouge judge has declared a mistrial in the discrimination case involving former UL Lafayette Coach Jerry Baldwin.

The Governor has been to Shreveport, West Monroe and Franklinton today assessing the damage from the storm. All of Louisiana has been declared a state of emergency.

Washington Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Tommy Thiebaud says water is everywhere.

Cut 3 (06) “…the parish”

Tangipahoa Emergency Preparedness Director Dawson Primes says they have gotten upwards of 17 inches of rain in his parish. He says they have been doing rescues all day.

Cut 6 (04) “…at this time”

Chris Bannan with the National Weather Service says rainfall totals vary across the southeastern part of the state.

Cut 7 (11) “…17 inches”

The Sabine River is overflowing in Vernon parish and causing major flood damage, due to water released from Toledo Bend. Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore says some flood victims have lost everything. But he says the community is coming together to help those in need.

Cut 11 (09) “…be done”

North Louisiana is experiencing immense flood damage. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says areas in Winn, Jackson, and Bienville parishes have many road and bridge closures because of the high waters. He says they have placed several requestes for assistance through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Cut 15 (09) “of those”

In college basketball…LSU has advanced in the SEC Tournament. They defeated Tennessee 84-75. Antonio Blakeney had 22 points to lead the way. The Tigers will play Texas A-and-M tomorrow at noon.

The entire state has been declared a state of emergency as parts Louisiana have gotten upwards of 20 inches of rain. Governor John Bel Edwards took a tour of the Shreveport area to meet with residents and see firsthand the devastation caused by the massive storm. He says the cost for reparations may pose a problem for the legislature, given the fiscal deficit the state is facing.

Cut 13 (05)  “very well”

Edwards says he will look to the federal government for additional money and resources.

The Louisiana National Guard has rescued more than 1,000 citizens, over 200 pets and 16 livestock. They have also distributed over 12,000 bottles of water and issued 324-thousand sandbags.

Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says many residents have lost their homes and business due to flooding. He says law enforcement is working to get those in hospitals proper medical care even with the flooded roadways because treatment must continue.

cut 16 (08)  “of us”

Water released from Toledo Bend is causing the Sabine River to overflow in Vernon Parish and leading to major flood damage. Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore warns everyone located around the river to be careful and they’ve already issued evacuations. He says this is the most significant flooding he’s ever seen.

CUT 9 (04) “in them” 

Moore says they’ve already evacuated about 200 people from the area near the Sabine River.

The eastern side of the state is also experiencing problems form the storm. Washington Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Tommy Thiebaud says the Bogue Chitto River is expected to crest at 21 feet, but that estimate keeps rising as even more rain is coming. He says they will be monitoring the rivers closely over the next 24 hours. Thiebaud says many roads are flooded and advises people to avoid travelling.

CUT 4 (08)  “that’s possible”

The Coast Guard says they are sending helicopter crews out to areas in Washington Parish where they are getting reports that multiple people may be stranded on rooftops due to flooding. Much of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Saturday afternoon. Chris Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell says rainfall totals varied across the southern part of the state….:
CUT 7 (11) “17 inches”
The entire state has been declared a state of emergency. Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to Shreveport today to assess the destruction from the storm. He says although they have not come up with an estimate on the damage yet, he expects it to be quite high…:
cut 12 (05) “of dollars”
He says that takes into account devastation statewide. The Red Cross has set up shelters across the state to assist those who were forced to evacuate their homes.

The Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department posted pictures on its Facebook page of portions of the Hammond campus that are covered in water. Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Dawson Primes says they got at least 12 inches of rain in less than 8 hours…:
CUT 6 (04) “at this time”

The Louisiana National Guard says there are now about 688 Guardsman responding to flood operations throughout the state including evacuations, boat and helicopter, distribution and supply of water, security and shelter and sandbag distribution. They say Guardsmen have already rescued more than 1,310 citizens, 230 pets and 16 livestock.

A bicyclist was struck and killed in St. Landry Parish last night. State Police say 67-year-old John Rideaux of Opelousas was riding his bike when he was hit from behind by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The victim was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Much of Tangipahoa and Washington parishes are flooded today, after a storm dropped upwards of 17 inches of water in just 12 hours. Halen Doughty has more:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The former Lake Charles priest who was found guilty of five counts of sexual abuse against alter boys in the early 90s, was sentenced Friday to 250 years in prison. Mark Broussard’s conviction in February included two counts of the aggravated rape of children at the church when they were 8 and 10 years old.

State Police say they are continuing the investigation into the case of a 63-year-old man who drowned after being swept away by flood waters over a bridge in Bienville Parish. They say 63-year-old Jerry Garrett lost his life in the incident, but his 70-year-old wife was able to escape. It was previously reported that the Garretts had gone around a barricade, but troopers say new information questions that claim.

As it continues to rain in southeast Louisiana, Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore says some flood victims there lost everything in flood waters. But he says the community is coming together to help those in need…:
Cut 11 (09) “be done”
He says they’ve already evacuated about 200 people.

Many residents in southeast Louisiana are dealing with horrible flooding as the rain continues to fall. Washington Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Tommy Thiebaud says water is everywhere and they urge residents to stay off the roads…:
CUT 4 (08) “that’s possible”
He says they are watching river levels closely and so are authorities in Tangipahoa Parish where Emergency Preparedness Director Dawson Primes says they were dumped with rain…:
CUT 5 (09) “that much water”
Chris Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell says 5 more inches of rain could fall…:
CUT 8 (05) “currently have”
Much of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow afternoon.

The Sabine River is overflowing in Vernon Parish due to water releases from Toledo Bend causing major flood damage. Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore warns everyone located around the river to be careful and they’ve already issued evacuations. He says this is the most significant flooding he’s ever seen…:
CUT 9 (04) “in them”
He says they’ve already evacuated about 200 people from the area surrounding the Sabine River.

In flood plagued north Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards is in Shreveport to evaluate the storm damage there and the state’s response.

Doctors are reporting an unusual high amount of flu cases for this time of year, according to the state Department of Health and Hospitals. DHH flu bug expert says it’s probably due to the late start of the flu season. He says H1N1 is back again and people should take the flu seriously…:
CUT 1 (08) “of hospitalizations”

Thousands of homes have been evacuated in north Louisiana and now in southeast Louisiana as a result of devastating flood waters. Bossier Parish Sheriff spokesman Lt. Bill Davis says law enforcement and residents never thought they’d see flooding like this…:
CUT 7 (06) “our parish”
Governor John Bel Edwards was slated to make a trip to north Louisiana today to survey damage, but had to change plans due to severe weather throughout the state.

Flood watches and warnings are posted throughout the state. The National Weather Service reported Hammond had received over 10 inches of rain through 6am. The Red Cross has set up shelters in affected areas as thousands of flooded homes in northwest, and now southeast Louisiana, had to be evacuated. The governor declared a state of emergency for the entire state and sent the National Guard to help with water rescues. At least three people have died as a result of drowning and hazardous conditions including a 6-year-old.

The number of flu cases in Louisiana is increasing. Dr. Frank Welch with the state Department of Health and Hospitals says unfortunately, H1N1 is back. He says it’s not common to see such an uptick in influenza cases this time of year, but it’s likely due to the slow start of the flu season…:
CUT 10 (08) “as well”
He says it’s still not to late to get a flu shot.

Would you be willing to pay higher taxes on state services you care about? Michael Henderson, with the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says in a recent survey 51 percent of respondents said they want the state to spend more on post and secondary education and they are willing to pay higher taxes to support the funding. He says the survey suggests many voters are not upset that legislators approved higher taxes…:
Cut 14 (11) “their constituents”

Entergy reported about 15,000 people statewide remain without power as a slow moving weather system dumps rain on Louisiana causing hazardous conditions and widespread flooding. Governor John Bel Edwards has issued an emergency declaration for all of Louisiana which is under a flash flood watch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the main threat from this system is water..:
Cut 5 (08) “poncho available”
So far the flooding has resulted in three deaths in Louisiana, including a six-year-old child in Ouachita Parish.

Pictures of children playing in flood waters have been circling social media, but the Department of Health and Hospitals says that’s not a good idea. DHH spokesperson Bob Johannessen flood stricken areas can be deadly…:
CUT 9 (08) “people dying”
The National Guard is deployed and the Red Cross has set up shelters in affected areas.

According to a new survey from LSU, most Louisiana residents are okay with paying higher taxes to support K through 12 schools and higher education. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says he will remain at his job and has no intention of leaving despite allegations made against him that he was involved in the beatings of jail inmates. Ackal was indicted on civil rights violations as a result of an investigation stemming from the alleged 2011 incident in the jail’s chapel. In a statement, Ackal says he has faith in the judicial system and is confident he will be vindicated.

Southeast Louisiana got hammered with rain much like the north west/east saw this week as a storm system moves slowly across the state. The Red Cross has opened shelters in Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes where over 100 homes had to be evacuated due to flood waters. The National Weather Service in New Orleans says the Hammond Airport has already received over 10 inches of rain through 6am. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not over…:
CUT 4 (07) “rainfall totals”
Over 35-hundred homes have been evacuated in Bossier Parish as a result of flood waters. Sheriff’s office spokesman Lt. Bill Davis…:
Cut 6 (10) “tributaries”
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statewide emergency declaration. The Louisiana National Guard is working around the clock in support of local authorities.

The state Department of Health and Hospitals advises Louisiana residents to be aware of dangerous flood waters and to take precautions. DHH spokesperson Bob Johannessen says everyone needs to stay out of the water…:
Cut 8 (08) “in the water”
So far the hazardous weather and flooding has resulted in three deaths in Louisiana, including a six-year-old.

We’re starting to see more flu cases in Louisiana…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”