BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Monday in preparation for Tropical Storm Beta that may impact the Louisiana coast later this week.
According to a release from the governor's office, the emergency declaration will allow the state to assist local governments with their response needs.
The National Weather Service has stated that Tropical Storm Beta, which is currently located off the coast of Texas in the northwestern portion of the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall near the middle Texas coast late Monday or early Tuesday as a tropical storm.
“Tropical Storm warnings are in effect for much of Louisiana’s coastline and the slow movement of Tropical Storm Beta puts southwest Louisiana at risk for flash flooding and river flooding today through Wednesday or Thursday,” Edwards stated in the release. “Storm surge of one to four feet is expected across the Texas and Louisiana coast tonight through Wednesday or Thursday. This could be especially problematic in areas that are already recovering from Hurricane Laura and residents should take this threat seriously.”
During this event, the NWS indicates the state could be impacted by tidal surge, flooding and a slight risk of tornadic activity, the release states.
Water is also already crossing some coastal routes, so residents are reminded to avoid driving on flooded roadways.
If residents have placed debris from Hurricane Laura along roadways for pickup, they are advised to make sure it is not blocking drainage systems while the threat of Beta exists.
As a reminder, a list of hurricane supplies, evacuation information and other critical information can be found at www.getagameplan.org.
The governor's offices offers some examples of what residents and their families may need in the event that they must evacuate or shelter in place:
- A three to five day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
- One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks
- Sanitation supplies
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
- An extra pair of glasses
- Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water
More tips on weather and preparedness on the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness’ Facebook and Twitter accounts and GOHSEP’s The Get A Game Plan Podcast.
You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service.
The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type of emergency. Y
Residents can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.
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