Hurricane Barry reached its peak hurricane strength as it neared the USA state of Louisiana. To be classed as a hurricane there must be one-minute maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph to be classed as a category one, or more than 156 mph to be classed as a category five. Warnings have now been issued suggesting Storm Barry could bring “dangerous, life-threatening flooding” with more than 20 inches of rainfall. But what areas exactly are in Hurricane Barry’s path and what is the latest on its progress so far?
Storm Barry has now weakened to a storm packing sustained wind speeds of 60mph.
Hurricane Barry first made landfall in Louisiana on Saturday local time and weakened to a tropical storm.
It is now expected to weaken further to a tropical depression later today.
The system is making its way north-west at a speed of just 8mph which is causing heavy rainfall to be levied as it tracks inland.
The worst of the storm is expected to hit an area west of New Orleans, and affect the wider region.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, while others have been warned to shelter in safe places.
The US Coast Guard has already rescued at least 12 people amid floodwaters in Louisiana.
More than 70,000 people are without power: 67,000 of which are in Louisiana and 3,000 of which are in Mississippi.
Ahead of Hurricane Barry making landfall, President Donald Trump declared a federal state of emergency in Louisiana.
In addition, all flights in and out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Saturday were cancelled.
Due to recent flash-flooding and heavy rainfall, there was a particular risk of flooding for low-lying New Orleans.
No city-wide mandatory evacuation is in place, but locals were told to hunker down and stock-up on essentials.
According to the National Weather Service: “The remnants of Tropical Storm Barry will bring an extended period of moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall through Thursday.”
But it said “life-threatening storm surge inundation” continued as it moved inland.
Hurricane Barry was previously confirmed as the first hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic season.
The National Hurricane Centre at the NOAA warned: “Life-threatening flash flooding and significant river flooding are still expected along Barry’s path inland from Louisiana up through the lower Mississippi Valley, through at least Monday.
“Widespread rainfall of 4 inches or more is expected, with embedded areas of significantly heavier rain that will lead to rapid water rises.
“Tropical storm conditions are still occurring within portions of the Tropical Storm Warning area.
“These conditions could continue along portions of the Louisiana coast for a few more hours.”
As of 1pm CDT (7pm BST) the storm was located near Shreveport, Louisiana tracking northwards.
According to the Interactive Forecast map for Tropical Storm Barry compiled by the NOAA, by 7pm local time (1am BST) Barry will be northeast of Shreveport, with a maximum wind speed of 35 mpg and wind gusts of 45 mph.
At that time the cities of Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, Russellville and Conway, will also feel the impact of the storm, facing winds of 30 mph and wind gusts of 40 mph.
The effects of the storm are predicted to be felt as far north as Jefferson City, Missouri, which is expected to experience maximum winds of 25 mph in the next 48 hours.