President Trump declares state of emergency for Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry makes its way toward coastline

President Trump has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana, vowing to provide federal resources to the state ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Barry.

The federal declaration, announced Thursday night, allows for the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and supplement all disaster relief efforts.

"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," Trump said in a tweet around 8 p.m.

"We are working closely w/ them. Please be prepared, be careful & be SAFE!"

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, in a letter to the president earlier in the day, requested the administration provide federal resources as soon as possible, emphasizing the state has already faced massive amounts of rainfall ahead of Barry's landfall

Within the last 24 hours, 28 parishes have issued emergency declarations while another 14 were going through the process of doing the same, Edwards added.

"I am confident that there will be widespread, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding," he wrote. "Given these threats, I anticipate the need for emergency protective measures, evacuations and sheltering for the affected areas."

The Louisiana Democrat was quick to express gratitude to Trump with a Twitter message of his own late Thursday night: "Thank you President Trump for quickly responding to my request for a federal disaster declaration. This will help us better coordinate and respond to the incoming storm."

Louisiana's National Guard said Edwards has additionally authorized activating up to 3,000 soldiers and airmen ahead of the storm. Officials said high-water vehicles and boats have already been staged and helicopters are available to provide support as needed.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the slow-moving storm was about 95 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi river and approximately 125 miles from Morgan City in Louisiana. Barry early Friday was headed west at a speed of 5 miles per hour and is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane before it makes landfall.

The storm could pack winds of about 75 miles per hour, which is just barely above the threshold for a hurricane, and is slated to bring more than a foot and a half of rain.

"Flooding is expected to be the most significant threat," the National Weather Center in New Orleans warned, adding that 10-20 inches of rain are forecast with higher amounts possible.

The storm's heavy rainfall poses a particular threat to New Orleans, which has already been walloped by the weather system. Floodwaters were already rushing through the city's streets Wednesday and Thursday, inundating homes, businesses and storefronts in the area.

Forecasters also anticipate the Mississippi River climbing at least 19 feet by Saturday morning at a key gauge in the New Orleans area, which is protected by levees between 20 to 25 feet high.

Edwards, during a press conference earlier this week, warned that there could be a "considerable amount of overtopping" of levees in Plaquemines Parish, which is southeast of New Orleans and includes many of the city's suburbs.

With News Wire Services

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