LA STORM UPDATE — Hurricane Ida has been downgraded to tropical storm status but as a hurricane, it knocked out power to all of New Orleans and inundated coastal Louisiana communities. An estimated 1 million-plus customers are currently without electricity in Southern Louisiana. IDA made landfall on the same day 16 years earlier that Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi. Its 150-mph winds tied it for the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the mainland. Ida has already been blamed for at least one death in Louisiana.. Now even though Ida is a tropical storm, Forecasters are warning of continuing damaging winds, along with heavy rainfall in South and Central Louisiana as well as Western Mississippi. Heavy rains could cause flash flooding.
Southern Louisiana’s hospitals are packed with patients from the latest coronavirus surge and are dealing with the aftermath of Ida. Lady of the Sea General Hospital in Lafourche Parish was coping with extensive roof damage and troubles with its phone system Sunday afternoon. Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a press announcement the state's big focus is on making sure there is enough generator power and water at hospitals to keep up with vital patient needs. At a press briefing late yesterday- Edwards explained what resources have been allocated for storm aftermath search and rescue.
"The entirety of the Louisiana National Guard has been activated and currently more than 4,900 Guardsman are out in support of current operations," Edwards said.
Other state agencies and agencies from neighboring Texas will also join in storm aftermath search and rescues. Edwards has asked people to avoid unnecessary travel as roadways could be flooded or blocked with debris and traffic could impede rescue and recovery operations.
Edwards said the Biden Administration has declared a major disaster due to the severe impact of Hurricane Ida, the declaration will open additional assistance to Louisiana, especially in parishes most affected.
