Trump declares emergency over Tropical Storm Barry

President Trump on Friday declared an emergency in Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry approaches the state. 

The president ordered federal assistance to the state to supplement state and local efforts ahead of the impending storm.

The declaration authorizes federal departments to coordinate relief efforts and provide assistance in the area.{mosads}

The National Hurricane Center on Friday tweeted that “hazardous conditions” would arrive with the storm, and the New Orleans branch of the National Weather Service wrote that there was a “significant flood threat.”

As hazardous conditions arrive along the Gulf Coast today with #Barry, get information on local weather and impacts from @NWSNewOrleans @NWSLakeCharles @NWSMobile @NWSJacksonMS pic.twitter.com/XRl4EiBHoN

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 12, 2019

Significant flood threat associated w/ #Barry

10-20″ of rain with significantly higher local amounts possible
⏰Heaviest rain expected tonight through Saturday night
️Heavy rain could lead to widespread/life-threatening flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding pic.twitter.com/xMAaVHjKmN

— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) July 12, 2019 

Trump’s declaration follows an emergency declaration by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D).{mosads}

“This is going to be a Louisiana event with coastal flooding and widespread, heavy rainfall potentially impacting every part of the state,” Edwards said in a statement.

Ahead of the storm’s approach, the city of New Orleans was already experiencing flooding. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said immigration enforcement efforts in the region would be suspended.