THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (GOHSEP) CONTINUES TO URGE EVERYONE TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER EXPECTED TO IMPACT THE STATE BEGINNING FRIDAY EVENING. — The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) continues to urge everyone to prepare for severe weather expected to impact the state beginning Friday evening.
GOHSEP has also activated its Crisis Action Team to process requests for state support related to potential weather issues. The team will stay activated through Monday night due to the college football national championship game in New Orleans.
"In briefings this morning, the NWS Shreveport office indicated these types of threats only develop 2-4 times per year on average. Experts say it's extremely unusual to see the threat happen in January," said GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom. "While the storms and the greatest threat will start in north Louisiana, each region of the state could be impacted through Saturday. Please check on friends and family that may need assistance during significant weather events. Stay alert and keep your phones charged. Severe weather that happens during the overnight hours is historically more dangerous for a number of reasons. People may be unaware of warnings or unaware of damage that is not visible due to darkness. That's why it is important to monitor your local media, listen to your local emergency managers and first responders and listen for potential watches or warnings issued by the NWS."
