Don’t let your guard down yet, New Orleans officials tell residents

As Barry made landfall today as a Category 1 and then weakened to a tropical storm, the mayor and other city officials told residents to stay the course because the worst may be yet to come. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for New Orleans. “To quote the Weather Service, this is just a really weird storm,” City Council President Helena Moreno said during a Saturday press conference. “But because of that, it could be building. Later tonight, we could feel a bigger impact.

Barry upgraded to hurricane, moves slowly across southern Louisiana

Barry reached hurricane strength late Saturday morning with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, crawling northwest at 6 mph through southern Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said in its 10 a.m. update. The storm remained about south of Lafayette, and 50 miles west of Morgan City at 10 a.m., the hurricane center said. Its hurricane-strength winds were about 45 miles from the center, but tropical-storm winds could be felt as far as 175 miles away. “As it moves inland, Barry is forecast to weaken below hurricane strength in the next few hours, and it is forecast to weaken to a tropical depression on Sunday,” meteorologists said. As rain bands continue to come ashore, a high risk of flooding remains, the forecasters warned.

Barry moving slowly and carrying lots of water

Tropical Storm Barry was a “big swath of moisture” about 50 miles from Morgan City at 7 a.m. on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center reported as New Orleanians woke up to mostly calm skies. The slow-moving system was expected to come ashore as a Category 1 hurricane at mid-morning. Winds were at about 70 miles an hour, below hurricane strength. Regardless of whether Barry remains a tropical storm or becomes a hurricane, water is the main hazard from this storm, forecasters said. “It’s just an amazing amount of moisture,” NHC Director Ken Graham said at a 7:30 update.

Mayor: New Orleans stands ready for Barry

From the Mayor’s Office

Beginning this evening — stay home. That’s what city officials have been telling New Orleanians as te city remains under a tropical storm warning and Tropical Storm Barry threatens to turn into a Category 1 hurricane. “We are focusing on 8 p.m. this evening, asking people to stay at home and shelter in place,” Mayor Cantrell said. “Have commodities and supplies to last you an upward of 72 hours. We are continuing to monitor heavy rainfall, storm surge and levels of the Mississippi River.”

Kristine Froeba on NOLA storm prep: Popeyes, bourbon and ice

* DO NOT FORGET THE ICE *

No matter the crisis, New Orleanians never lose their sense of humor or their wry sense of irony; the world might end, but if possible, we plan to go out smiling. Whether a Cat 3, Armageddon, the zombie apocalypse or New Orleans’ version of the same – a levee breach – locals know how to prepare. And until the bitter end, that preparation includes a box of chicken, a cocktail — and maybe a party. Grocers and hardware shelves empty at an alarming pace when there’s a storm in the Gulf, and it’s a seller’s market for newbies who need plywood. (Locals have made-to-measure plywood sheets with attached hooks ready to hang long before hurricane season starts.)

After moving stubborn great-aunties to high ground (and their yappy little dogs), gassing up the cars (interminable humid lines), refilling prescriptions (hours at CVS), stocking up on medical supplies (arguing with Blue Cross) and hanging the plywood with care, we have the joy of literally racing to the nearest market.

Tropical Storm Barry strengthening in the Gulf

Tropical Storm Barry continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center reported in its 10 a.m. update. The slow-moving storm system is expected to come ashore Saturday as a Category 1 hurricane. “Whether it’s a hurricane or a tropical storm, it’s going to be hazardous,” said NHC Director Ken Graham in his 7 a.m. update. Landfall is predicted on the central coast of Louisiana. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for New Orleans.

City preparing as Tropical Storm Barry bears down on New Orleans

From the Mayor’s Office

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the New Orleans area. The city continues to prepare for Tropical Storm Barry, which is likely to impact the New Orleans area as early as Friday morning and through Sunday. “Heed every single warning coming from the City of New Orleans. We have to be prepared for all impacts,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. “Gather your supplies, secure your property and make preparations to shelter in place.”

Joe Giarrusso: What you need to know as Tropical Storm Barry approaches

District A Councilman Joe Giarrusso issued these updates and reminders as Tropical Storm Barry approaches:

As we prepare for Barry’s landfall, my staff and I have been getting updates from city, state and federal officials. Here are some important details. Forecast and track
As of the latest reports, the forecast track is moving eastward with landfall near St. Mary Parish. The current expectation, which is subject to change, is that New Orleans could get 10-15 inches of rain.

Tropical Storm Barry forms in Gulf; track includes New Orleans

The disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico has formed into Tropical Storm Barry and is expected to bring storm surge, heavy rainfall and wind hazards to the Louisiana coast over the next several days, the National Hurricane Center reported Thursday in its 10 a.m. update. The projected track has shifted to the east and includes New Orleans. The storm is moving slowly and is expected to result in days of heavy rainfall with possible hurricane conditions. It is expected to make landfall as a weak hurricane Saturday in Louisiana. Flash flooding and river flooding are likely, especially along the eastern track of the system, which includes New Orleans.

Mayor declares state of emergency due to extreme weather

Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency due to the tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service has indicated that Tropical Storm or Hurricane Barry will form in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of Tropical Invest 92L, and will likely produce heavy rainfall, flash flooding, coastal and river flooding, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, expected to arrive Thursday, July 11. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast track predicts Hurricane Barry, a Category 1 storm, to make landfall between Lake Charles and Lafayette. The New Orleans area is not currently included in the tropical storm watch. Cantrell said it was too early to tell whether the city will issue an evacuation order.