Face of Nation : Hurricane Barry pushed ashore along the Louisiana coast west of New Orleans on Saturday and quickly weakened to a tropical storm. But its torrential downpours still promise the risk of “life-threatening” inland floods in Louisiana and Mississippi, the National Weather Service said.
The storm moved farther inland across the north-central Gulf Coast Saturday evening and forecasters warned of flooding across the Lower Mississippi Valley, the National Hurricane Center said.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Barry may be losing steam, but it still packs a punch that could bring “life-threatening” flooding.
“Don’t let your guard down,” he said during a press conference late Saturday night. “My concern is people are going to bed thinking the worst is behind us and that may not be the case.”
Edwards said President Donald Trump called him Saturday to offer his help.
Edwards said the Coast Guard rescued at least 11 people early Saturday morning who were trapped in southern Terrebonne Parish. He expects more search-and-rescue operations will be needed.
He emphasized no Mississippi River levees have been overtopped or breached, saying there had been some confusion because of photos and videos of water going over “back levees” in Plaquemines Parish.
He said the storm will slowly move north, blanketing most of the state with rain.
“It’s going to be a long few days and there are going to be some significant challenges,” Edwards said.
