14 Jul 2019 | 06:48 PM UTC
US: Tropical Storm Barry moves into northern Louisiana state July 14 /update 8
Tropical Storm Barry moves into northern Louisiana state July 14; hundreds of thousands of customers still without power and as storm brings heavy rainfall and high winds to northern Louisiana state, Arkansas state
Event
The National Hurricane Center indicates that Tropical Storm Barry continues its northerly path into northern Louisiana state as of Sunday afternoon (local time), July 14. As of 13:00, the center of Tropical Storm Barry was located around 32.4°N, 93.6°W, with the storm exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 65 kph (40 mph) and moving north-northwestward at 15 kph (9 mph).
Roughly 150,000 people are without power across Louisiana state as of 14:00 on Sunday, while officials in Livingston Parish are investigating possible tornado damage. More than 11 million residents are under flash flood watches from the Louisiana coast to the southern Midwest, with heavy rains expected to bring 10-20 cm (4-8 in) across the Lower Mississippi River Valley - including Arkansas state and Mississippi state - over the coming days. Heavy rains and associated flooding are also expected in Tennessee state, Missouri state, Indiana state, and Illinois state.
Forecasts indicate Barry will track north-northeast and northeast and is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by late Sunday or early on Monday, July 15. Localized higher rainfall totals are possible in the abovementioned states. Consequent flooding, particularly near rivers, is to be expected along with associated material damages, road closures, flight and train disruptions, and power outages in affected areas.
Context
Hurricane Barry made landfall in Lousiana state as a Category 1 storm on July 13. Barry is the first hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.
Advice
Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by Storm Barry are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), ensure adequate food, water, battery, and medical supplies, and anticipate significant rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and associated power, telecommunications, and transportation disruptions.
Confirm flight reservations and contact your airline for more information before traveling to MSY. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and remember that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products.
