TROPICAL STORM SALLY - Storm-weary Louisiana Coastal residents are preparing for a new weather onslaught as Tropical Storm Sally churns northward. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sally is expected to to strengthen into a hurricane before striking the northern Gulf Coast and reach shore by early Tuesday, bringing dangerous weather conditions including risk of flooding to a region stretching from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged people to prepare for the storm immediately. As the expected hurricane is to be slow moving and bring a lot of rainfall.
"It's going to be a period of time when the storm's center is expected to take about 12 hours to move from Kenner to Hammond," explained Edwards."Think about how much rain will fall during that time period."
Over the weekend - Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Sally, and has contacted the White House alerting President Trump as to the storm’s status. Tropical Storm Sally is expected strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane and proceed at a land-speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. There is a strong chance for power outages similar to what occurred after Hurricane Laura struck in late August.
"I can tell you that between the co-ops, Entergy, Cleco, there are already 25oo lineworkers and contractors ready to go and staging across southeast Louisiana," Edwards said. "They will be calling in 2 to 3,000 more very shortly thereafter if necessary."
As for North and Northwestern Louisiana, unless the storm changes direction the National Weather Service forecast no significant impact to the ArkLaTex although primary hazards could be heavy rainfall and lightning which could occur Wednesday through Friday. All residents in the expected storm area are urged to get prepared for severe weather and check the website www.getagameplan.orgfor more information. For Storm Updates you can TEXT 67283 for storm update information.
