13 Jul 2019 | 09:44 PM UTC
US: Barry moves into Louisiana state July 13, weakening to tropical storm /update 7
Barry moves into Louisiana state July 13, weakening from hurricane to tropical storm; hundreds of thousands of customers without power and all flights canceled at New Orleans Airport (MSY) as Barry brings heavy rainfall and high winds
Event
The National Hurricane Center has announced that Barry has weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm as the center of the storm moves further inland over southern Louisiana state as of Saturday afternoon (local time), July 13. As of 16:00, the center of Tropical Storm Barry was located around 30.1°N, 92.3°W, with the storm packing maximum sustained winds of 105 kph (65 mph) and moving north-northwestward at 11 kph (7 mph). Over 128,000 customers are without power in Louisiana state, and at least 330 households have been issued mandatory evacuation orders in Terrebonne parish. Evacuation orders (either voluntary or mandatory) had previously been issued for the town of Grand Isle, and Jefferson, Plaquemines, Lafourche, and St. Charles parishes. All flights to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) have been canceled through the end of the day; according to airport authorities, most airlines plan on resuming normal flight operations in and out of MSY on Sunday, July 14, weather permitting.
Rainfall totals of up to 38 cm (15 in) are forecast for parts of Louisiana state, with rainfall totals of up to 25 cm (10 in) forecast for other parts of Louisiana, as well as parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, and western Tennessee states. 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.
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.
