STORM WARNINGS - Tropical Storm Marco is forecast to approach the Louisiana coast by Monday afternoon, and then turn westward and move near or over the coast through Tuesday. Heavy rainfall along with flooding is a concern. A hurricane warning remains in effect in Louisiana from Morgan City to the Mouth of the Pearl River as Marco approaches. Right behind Marco is Tropical Storm Laura which is expected to gain strength and enter the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, increasing a hurricane danger for parts of Louisiana and Texas by midweek. Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor the storm and has switched to 24 hour operations.
These approaching storms have been compared with past weather events such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita which occurred back to back in 2005 to which Governor Edwards commented about yesterday.
"We don't remind you of Rita and category 3 storms in an attempt to try to scare anybody," Edwards explained,"we want people to take this seriously and to get prepared. That's what we want to do."
Dozens of southern Louisiana parishes have issued emergency declarations and more are expected. According to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness- households in those parishes should put together storm supply kits – including a 3 to 5 day supply of water / one gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable food. A supply of face coverings , hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, adequate supply of prescription drugs and a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries and a change of clothing and sanitary supplies. To learn more go to the www.GetaGamePlan.org.
TEXAS EMERGENCY - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster for 23 counties ahead of the two storms. He says the Texas Military Division and other state agencies are gearing up to make rescues and run shelters while also remaining mindful of the coronavirus pandemic.
"They're capable of providing testing for COVID-19," Abbott said, "as well as disinfection as needed as well as assisting the process of making sure that people will be able to shelter in ways that include distancing practices so as to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."
The latest National Hurricane Center forecast shows Tropical Storm Marco hitting Louisiana today and approaching Texas on Tuesday bringing gusty winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Tropical Storm Laura is expected to hit somewhere along the Texas or Louisiana coast overnight on Wednesday and weather watchers predict Laura will strengthen to hurricane status.
