BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Thursday declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall and the potential for wintry conditions this weekend and into next week.
While the forecast is still uncertain, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness urged Louisiana residents to plan for flash flooding and dangerous winter weather conditions. The National Weather Service warns an arctic high pressure system is pushing south, bringing the coldest air of the season to parts of the state.
“Already in Louisiana we have communities that have seen the impacts of flash flooding and water on the roadways, and there is the potential for worse weather and bad conditions as the days go on. Now is the time for people to make a plan for the coming days that could include staying at home during severe weather,” Edwards said in a news release. “Monitor the local news and updates from the National Weather Service and your local leaders, check on your neighbors and stay safe.”
Community sites for COVID testing managed by Louisiana’s National Guard will close on Monday and Tuesday.
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