New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says he’s optimistic that the city will be able to handle the anticipated fallout from Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac is on track to be at hurricane-strength when it makes landfall, and city officials say they’re ready for what’s predicted.
As Tropical Storm Isaac churns up the Gulf of Mexico, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman said today that he shipped nearly half the prisoners held at Orleans Parish Prison to state facilities around Louisiana.
In a statement, Gusman said he had moved 1,037 prisoners overnight from FEMA-built jails built in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He has completely emptied two jails: the Temporary Jail and the Temporary Detention Center, more commonly known as the “Tents.”
St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation due to the potential for dangerous storm surge, winds and flooding rainfall from Isaac. Current forecasts have the storm making landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Through the duration of the storm the parish expects the potential for widespread power outages for an extended duration, as well as a loss of emergency and parish services. This also includes the potential loss of all sewer and water services.
Hwy. 90 will be blocked in both directions at the Davis Diversion in St. Charles Parish at 6:00 p.m. this evening (Aug. 27), the parish said in a press release earlier this afternoon.
There will be no through traffic in either direction on Hwy. 90 after that time.
A sign was displayed on a highway near New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Credit Getty Images
FEMA's Michael Brown (left) and President George W. Bush, seen in 2003, were widely criticized for their response after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005.
Originally published on Mon August 27, 2012 3:01 pm
It's not unusual for politicians and show business producers to put off planned events in the face of tragedy or national disaster.
The Republican Party delayed opening day festivities at its national convention in Tampa this week because of safety concerns as Tropical Storm Isaac barrels toward the Gulf Coast.
Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph declared a State of Emergency and placed Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Department of Public Works on full activation as Tropical Storm Isaac heads into the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Isaac has 60 mph winds according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC.) A hurricane watch has been issued from Morgan City eastward to Indian Pass, Fl. The latest NHC track shows that Southeast Louisiana is in the cone of error.
Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph said today that Lafourche Parish Government offices will close to the public from Monday, August 27 through Wednesday, August 29, 2012 because of Tropical Storm Isaac.
However, all field offices will be open and fully staffed in order to prepare drainage ditches, storm drains and sandbags. All other parish government employees will remain on a standby status through Wednesday.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the city is ready to face Tropical Storm Isaac.
Noting that Isaac should arrive at the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Landrieu said Monday that officials feel very good about the ability to cope with Isaac.
Landrieu, who declared a state of emergency on Sunday, urged about 900 residents who live outside levee protection in eastern New Orleans evacuate. The remainder of the city is not under an evacuation order.
He told residents to hunker down and make due with supplies on hand.
Louisiana's Republican elected officials are scrapping or delaying Florida travel plans for the GOP's national convention. Some who had arrived in Tampa quickly turned around and headed home to wait for Tropical Storm Isaac.
Gov. Bobby Jindal hasn't officially canceled his plans to speak at the convention, but says he won't leave Louisiana "as long as we're in harm's way."
