US: Barry strengthens to Category 1 hurricane before landfall July 13 /update 6

Event

Barry has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) as of Saturday morning (local time), July 13, as it bears down on the southern Louisiana coast. Hurricane Barry is forecast to weaken to below hurricane strength as the center of the storm passes through southern Louisiana state over the coming hours and central Louisiana state on Saturday night; by Sunday morning, July 14, Barry is forecast to weaken to a tropical depression as it moves through northern Louisiana. As of 10:00 on Saturday, the center of Hurricane Barry was located near 29.6°N, 92.0°W and was moving northwestward at 9 kph (6 mph). Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency across the state on Wednesday, July 10, ahead of the expected storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the state expected to be severely affected by the storm, including the town of Grand Isle, and Jefferson, Plaquemines, Lafourche, and St. Charles parishes.

As of Saturday morning, a hurricane warning is in effect from Intracoastal City to Grand Isle; tropical storm warnings are in effect for areas between the mouth of the Pearl River to Grand Isle, Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, New Orleans, and from Intracoastal City to Sabine Pass. A storm surge warning is in effect for areas from Intracoastal City to Biloxi (Mississippi state) and for Lake Pontchartrain.

Rainfall totals of up to 38 cm (15 in) are forecast for parts of Louisiana and extreme southwestern Mississippi states, with rainfall totals of up to 25 cm (10 in) forecast for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, western Tennessee, extreme southeastern Missouri, and extreme southwestern Kentucky states. Localized higher rainfall totals are possible in the abovementioned areas. 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.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by 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.

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and remember that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products.