EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a developing story with multiple day/time stamps.

May Upgrade to Hurricane Status (Update, July 12, 5:50 pm)

The National Hurricane Center sent out an update this afternoon regarding Tropical Storm Barry.



As of 4pm CDT, Barry is maintaining tropical storm force winds at 65mph, moving very slowly as it advances to landfall in Louisiana early Saturday morning. But do not be lulled into a sense of calm with the few extra hours before Barry touches the shore! The wind and rain have been active for most of the day today, pushing the simply soaked area to its limit before TS Barry even officially arrives.

In the image below (thanks National Hurricane Center) I set it to show you the most likely arrival time of Tropical Storm Force Winds and the speed at which it is moving, predicted to travel less than 150 miles in 12 hours.

It is possible Barry may strengthen to a hurricane before landfall, but only by a few miles per hour more in wind strength. The threat continues to be the storm surge, warnings are up along the coast and rainfall, over 15″ expected on top of the already flooded region, will threaten the levees in the entire area.

Stay tuned for breaking news and updates on this story!



Tropical Storm Barry: President Trump Declares Louisiana Emergency (Update, July 12, 2019, 11:27 am)

Hurricane Watches and Warnings have been posted along the coast of Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry makes it’s way to landfall, expected later this evening. As the storm continues to develop, there is a possibility that it may intensify to a hurricane prior to landfall.

Hurricanes are formed from a wave disturbance, but they grow immensely with the help of warm ocean water. The Gulf of Mexico is currently 85 degrees fahrenheit, which will allow it to strengthen before it comes onshore.

The biggest threat with this storm is the rain expected, along with the storm surge. The Mississippi River is already at or near flood stage and the expected rain of 15-20 inches will likely push some areas well over that level, which will put tremendous stress on the levee system in the area. Barry is only moving at 3mph, so the time it will remain nearly stalled over the already saturated area increases the risk for widespread flooding.

President Donald Trump declared a federal emergency for Louisiana before tweeting this message out on Thursday at 8pm EST:

“To everyone on the Gulf Coast: As you make preparations to protect your homes & loved ones from flooding & the coming storm, it is imperative that you heed the directions of @FEMA, State & Local Officials. We are working closely w/ them. Please be prepared, be careful, & be SAFE!”

To everyone on the Gulf Coast: As you make preparations to protect your homes & loved ones from flooding & the coming storm, it is imperative that you heed the directions of @FEMA, State & Local Officials. We are working closely w/ them. Please be prepared, be careful, & be SAFE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2019

Stay safe and heed all of your local warnings if you are in the area expected to be affected by this storm. We will post updates as we continue to monitor the event.



Frightening Tropical Storm Barry 2019 Putting Louisiana on High Alert (Original report, July 11, 2019, 1:30 pm)

“Tropical Weather Outlook NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 200 AM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Two, located over the northern Gulf of Mexico.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…high…near 100 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days…high…near 100 percent.



Strengthening is forecast to occur during the next couple of days, becoming a tropical depression or a tropical storm later today and Friday. Expect this system to move westward through Thursday, turning to the north toward the Louisiana coast by Friday.”

Pay attention to the warnings and announcements

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches for the gulf coast of Louisiana as the first tropical system of the season is expected to make landfall as a hurricane by this weekend. Tropical Storm Barry will form in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of the day today and will likely strengthen to a hurricane by Saturday, ahead of landfall anywhere between Louisiana and the gulf coast of Texas.

Major Threats to Louisiana With Tropical Storm

Wind, flooding rain and storm surge are the major threats with this system, and will be felt in the entire area. Due to the slow moving nature of this storm, the largest issue will be a combination of the storm surge and heavy rainfall in an area that is already very saturated with moisture. The Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, has warned that the area could see 15 to 20 inches of rain, falling in 24 hours. As a result, he has issued a State of Emergency for the state ahead of the storm.

“This is going to be a Louisiana event with coastal flooding and widespread, heavy rainfall potentially impacting every part of the state,” said Gov. Edwards. “No one should take this storm lightly. As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact. Now is the time to check your emergency supplies and get a gameplan for your family and pets.”

The Governor added, “I urge the public to continue monitoring local media for weather developments and follow the directions of local officials. We expect multiple parishes to declare states of emergency, and we stand ready to assist our local partners with all available resources. My office is in constant communication with FEMA and we will continue to provide updates as necessary.”

State of Emergency Issued by NOLA Mayor

The Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, has also issued a State of Emergency. University of Georgia meteorologist Marshall Sheperd has warned of a “dire scenario” because of the tropical cyclone “overlapping” with current flooding. Weather forecasters said the Mississippi River levels, already at 19 feet, could break the protected 20 feet barrier for New Orleans.

Meteorologist Eric Holthaus reported “A river levee breach would be an entirely different type of flooding disaster than what occurred during Hurricane Katrina, but possibly no less devastating.” If you live anywhere from Florida’s gulf coast to Texas, or are planning a trip this weekend, pay attention to the warnings and announcements, and heed all evacuation orders as they are issued.