Gulf Coast residents need to prepare for Tropical Storm Barry, which formed Thursday over the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Given unprecedented magnitude of natural disasters over the past two years and the current projected path of the storm, a hurricane making landfall is likely to impact communities still working to recover from a previous event. As such, even smaller and less severe storms could have a more significant impact.
Now is the Time to Prepare
A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for much of the Louisiana coast and additional watches and warning could be required later today. Now is the time for residents to prepare.
The slow movement of this system will result in a long duration heavy rainfall through the weekend and potentially into early next week.
Residents in the path of this storm should get ready now for heavy rains, flooding and strong winds. Those in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.
- Follow instructions from local officials. Listen to instructions regarding evacuation or sheltering. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Expect disruptions. Be prepared for power and phone service outages, roads blocked by flood and/or debris, water and sewer outages.
- Check-in with neighbors. If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
- Avoid flooded areas. Floodwaters hide hazards such as debris and damaged roads. Just 12 inches of floodwater can float a car or small SUV. Turn around, don’t drown!
- Download the FEMA App (www.fema.gov/mobile-app).
- Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov for disaster preparedness information in English and Spanish.
FEMA Augments State Response Capabilities
FEMA regional offices in Atlanta and Denton, Texas support state, local, and tribal partners in impacted areas to ensure there are no unmet needs. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams have deployed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Austin, Texas, to support state officials.
The new FEMA Integration Team in Louisiana assists with planning and response efforts. The team is in addition to office staff already located in Louisiana and in various Texas locations. Additional teams and liaison officers for Alabama, Florida and Mississippi are on alert and are prepared for immediate deployment. The Hurricane Michael FEMA/state Joint Field Office in Tallahassee is providing emergency protection information to survivors living in FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes.
Stay Alert and Informed: Listen to State and Local Officials
Residents should monitor this storm and stay informed. Listen to or watch local weather broadcasts and check social media to include:
- Your local emergency services, such as police and fire/rescue.
- The National Weather Service .
- Alabama (@AlabamaEMA), Florida (@FLSERT), Louisiana (@GOSHEP), Mississippi (@MSEMA ), and Texas (@TDEM ) emergency management departments.
- @FEMARegion4 and @FEMARegion6.
A variety of preparedness graphics for social media use is available at Ready.gov.
Louisiana Activates Emergency Plans to Face Tropical Storm Barry
