Gov Edwards will hold a press conference on Hurricane Delta, providing updates on the state's responds as the storms moves closer to landfall.
Trump signed the request for emergency assistance ahead of the storm. The hurricane is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Southwest Louisiana. Edwards noted that the storm is a second blow to the area already devastated by hurricane Laura in August.
"it is very clear that SW Louisiana is going to get more of a punch from this than we would like as they are still recovering from Hurricane Laura," Edwards said.
Delta is expected to bring significant impacts to the state when it makes landfall on Friday afternoon. Based on the current track, surge, hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall can be expected for most of Southwest Louisiana. The possibility of tornados is also expected.
The storm as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday is slowly increasing. It is expected to reach a Category 3 strength on Friday morning.
"the cone is an idea for a general indication for where the storm may go. The impacts will be well outside the cone as we head into Friday."
Hurricane watches and warnings have gone up for several parishes.
Winds could exceed 110 mph, wind damage is expected for a large portion of southwestern Louisiana. A landfall, according to officials is likely between Lafayette and the Lake Charles area on Friday.
The storm should be outside of the state by Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon.
Since Wednesday, all state offices will be closed on Friday
2400 national guardsmen are on standby following the storm. Those crews have made preparations for the the storm in several parishes.
Shelter information can be found by calling 211.
As of Thursday over 6,000 people were being sheltered in the state. Most of those are still being sheltered from Hurricane Laura.
Phase three will be extended to November 6. The major modification to the order will be the sale of alcohol at sporting events. Edwards says that there is not much more to change pertaining to the order.
40 parishes have been the positivity rates to reopen bars. There is also work being made to help Festivals and Fair restart under Phase 3 restrictions.
Edwards says that data on cases, hospitalizations and positivity, is encouraging.
"I am mindful and appreciative of the work being done by the people of Lousiana," Gov Edwards said. "the progress we have made is because of these restrictions."
A live stream of the presser can be viewed below:
For the latest on hurricane Delta, click here.
A look at a hurricane saftety checklist and guide can be found here.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
