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Tropical Storm Barry: Flooded New Orleans braces for likely hurricane Tropical Storm Barry: Flooded New Orleans braces for likely hurricane
(about 1 hour later)
A slow-moving storm is forming into a likely hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, and is forecast to hit the already-flooded US city of New Orleans.A slow-moving storm is forming into a likely hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, and is forecast to hit the already-flooded US city of New Orleans.
The storm, which is currently classified as a tropical storm, has already brought thunderstorms to the city, triggering flash floods.The storm, which is currently classified as a tropical storm, has already brought thunderstorms to the city, triggering flash floods.
A state of emergency is in effect and residents in some low-lying areas have been asked to evacuate.A state of emergency is in effect and residents in some low-lying areas have been asked to evacuate.
The river may come dangerously close to overtopping levees shielding the city.The river may come dangerously close to overtopping levees shielding the city.
The Mississippi River may rise as high as 20ft (6m) above sea level, officials warn, potentially exceeding the 20-25ft levees protecting New Orleans.The Mississippi River may rise as high as 20ft (6m) above sea level, officials warn, potentially exceeding the 20-25ft levees protecting New Orleans.
"We're confident the levees themselves are in good shape. The big focus is height," Ricky Boyett, a spokesman for the US Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the fortifications, told the AP."We're confident the levees themselves are in good shape. The big focus is height," Ricky Boyett, a spokesman for the US Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the fortifications, told the AP.
Flash floodingFlash flooding
On Wednesday morning, the New Orleans metro area was hit by as much as eight inches of rain over a three hour period.On Wednesday morning, the New Orleans metro area was hit by as much as eight inches of rain over a three hour period.
Swamped streets saw rubbish bins overturned and vehicles flooded. Some parts of the city saw streets turn into lakes as deep as four feet. Kayakers were seen paddling on roadways.Swamped streets saw rubbish bins overturned and vehicles flooded. Some parts of the city saw streets turn into lakes as deep as four feet. Kayakers were seen paddling on roadways.
The National Hurricane Center said on Thursday morning that the storm was 95 miles south-east of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with maximum sustained windspeeds of 40mph (64 km/hr).The National Hurricane Center said on Thursday morning that the storm was 95 miles south-east of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with maximum sustained windspeeds of 40mph (64 km/hr).
The tropical storm has been given the name Barry by US weather forecasters.The tropical storm has been given the name Barry by US weather forecasters.
At winds of 74mph it will be declared a hurricane, as it is forecast to become before making landfall in the delta of the Mississippi River on Friday.At winds of 74mph it will be declared a hurricane, as it is forecast to become before making landfall in the delta of the Mississippi River on Friday.
The storm is predicted to drop 10-15 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday along the Louisiana coast and parts of Texas.The storm is predicted to drop 10-15 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday along the Louisiana coast and parts of Texas.
Residents have been warned to stock up on drinking water and non-perishable food, as well as other emergency supplies.Residents have been warned to stock up on drinking water and non-perishable food, as well as other emergency supplies.
Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, has ordered residents to evacuate. Vermilion Parish, to the west of the city, has asked some people living in low-lying areas to consider moving to higher ground.Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, has ordered residents to evacuate. Vermilion Parish, to the west of the city, has asked some people living in low-lying areas to consider moving to higher ground.
Storm surges are expected to see rivers and tides crest at levels far higher than average, officials warn.Storm surges are expected to see rivers and tides crest at levels far higher than average, officials warn.
The primary danger is in the amount of water from surges and rainfall, according to emergency responders, rather than wind damage.The primary danger is in the amount of water from surges and rainfall, according to emergency responders, rather than wind damage.
The danger has been compounded by the abnormally high levels of water in the Mississippi River, which is swollen from months of above-average rainfall.
Tropical Storm Barry is currently "moving very slowly to the west at 5mph" the National Weather Center warned in an advisory on Thursday.Tropical Storm Barry is currently "moving very slowly to the west at 5mph" the National Weather Center warned in an advisory on Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm may produce tornados along southern portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm may produce tornados along southern portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Officials warn that even if the storm does not form into a hurricane, heavy rain could still create dangerous conditions lasting for days.Officials warn that even if the storm does not form into a hurricane, heavy rain could still create dangerous conditions lasting for days.
"No one should take this storm lightly," said Governor John Bel Edwards as he declared a state of emergency."No one should take this storm lightly," said Governor John Bel Edwards as he declared a state of emergency.
"As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact.""As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact."
How is New Orleans preparing?
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell said at a news conference on Thursday the city's anti-flood water pumps are working at "optimal capacity", but cautioned: "We cannot pump our way out of the water levels and the waterfalls that are expected to hit the city of New Orleans."
She, and other city officials, asked people to bring in their rubbish bins, and clear yards and streets to prevent debris from choking street drains and gutters or becoming airborne "projectiles".
New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said officers are "all hands of deck" and said all leave has been cancelled for police officers.
He asked people to remain in their homes and not to attempt to drive their car through standing water due to the danger of being swept away or stranded.
Fire officials warn that in the event of a power outage, residents should be careful not to overheat or mismanage electrical generators, and should refrain from using candles unless necessary due to the danger of sparking a fire.
The National Guard has sent a large contingent to New Orleans to assist in rescue and recovery operations, and to transport equipment into the city.