HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Lower Jefferson, Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines, Lower Saint Bernard, and Lower Terrebonne parishes.

A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Ascension and Saint James parishes.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Assumption, Upper Lafourche, and Upper Terrebonne parishes.

STORM INFORMATION: About 270 miles southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana, or about 260 miles south-southeast of Gulfport, Mississippi, or about 270 miles southeast of Houma, Louisiana.

Storm Intensity: 70 mph
Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 12 mph

Tropical Storm Marco will continue to approach the coast of Southeast Louisiana tonight. Marco is expected to turn west and move parallel to the Louisiana coast tomorrow as a strong tropical storm and then gradually weaken tomorrow night as it moves toward Southwest Louisiana.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving. If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.

OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

For information on appropriate preparation, visit: ready.gov
For information on creating an emergency plan, visit: getagameplan.org
For additional disaster preparedness information, visit: redcross.org