Louisiana governor declares state of emergency before storm

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) on Wednesday declared a state of emergency across the state as it prepared for a storm that might become a hurricane. 

Edwards said in the emergency declaration that Invest 92L, a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall. 

It is also expected to produce storm surge and tropical storm-force or hurricane-force winds across the state and could result in up to 15 inches of rain in most of the southern part of the state. 

The emergency declaration is effective between July 10 and Aug. 8 unless terminated sooner. 

“This is going to be a Louisiana event with coastal flooding and widespread, heavy rainfall potentially impacting every part of the state,” Edwards said in a statement.

“No one should take this storm lightly,” he added. “As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact.”

Edwards also encouraged residents to check their emergency supplies, formulate a plan for their families and pets, and keep monitoring for weather developments. He said he anticipates that multiple parishes will declare states of emergency. 

Streets in the city of New Orleans had flooded Wednesday and residents were urged to stay off the road. A flash flood emergency had been declared in Jefferson Parish and 4-6 inches of rain were reported as of 9:30 a.m. local time, according to AccuWeather.