12 Jul 2019 | 09:28 PM UTC
US: Tropical Storm Barry nears Louisiana state coast July 12 /update 5
Officials maintain hurricane warnings for parts of Louisiana state as Tropical Storm Barry nears coast as of afternoon (local time) July 12; significant flooding and consequent disruptions expected
Event
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has maintained hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge warnings for the Louisiana state coast from Intracoastal City to Grand Isle as of 16:00 (local time) on Friday, July 12. A tropical storm watch also remains in effect for the Mississippi state coast.
As of Friday afternoon, Tropical Storm Barry was located at approximately 28.7°N, 90.9°W, roughly 40 km (25 mi) southeast of Coupe Colin (Louisiana state), and was exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 100 kph (65 mph). Barry is moving west-northwest at 9 kph (6 mph) and is forecast to continue north over the coming hours and make landfall over central Louisiana state by late Friday night, July 12, or during the early morning hours on Saturday, July 13. The storm is expected to continue to strengthen over the coming hours; however, the NHC has reported a reduced likelihood of the storm reaching hurricane-strength wind speeds as its center nears the coast.
Heavy rain, storm surge, and damaging winds are expected to affect parts of Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi as Barry moves inland. Tropical storm-force winds are possible in areas of up to 280 km (175 mi) from the storm's center. Storm surge up to 1-1.8 m (3-6 ft) is possible along with rainfall totals of 25-50 cm (10-20 in) and localized totals up to 63 cm (25 in). Intense flash flooding already inundated parts of New Orleans (Louisiana state) on Wednesday, July 10, and further flooding is likely in the region along with strong winds and associated material damage and disruptions. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency across the state on Wednesday ahead of the expected storm. Power outages, downed trees, infrastructure damage, road closures, and flight and rail delays and cancelations are to be expected in hard-hit areas over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, ensure adequate food, water, battery, and medical supplies, and anticipate severe weather, flooding, strong winds, and associated power, telecommunications, and transportation disruptions.
Remember that walking or driving through water can be dangerous and floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products.
