BATON ROUGE, La. — The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is initiating 24-hour operations at the State Emergency Operations Center as Tropical Storm Bertha tracks westward. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning and a Tropical Storm Watch across parts of Louisiana, with potential impacts including minor to moderate storm surge flooding, heavy rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds.
“We strongly encourage the public to stay weather aware over the next few days as this system moves in our direction,” said GOHSEP Director Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz. “Any changes to the forecast could change the impact to our state. Pay attention to those impacts and the conditions you may face. Check your emergency supplies. Strong winds could result in power outages. Check on friends or loved ones who may need assistance. Stay informed with any information shared by your local emergency managers and local leaders.”
GOHSEP has started coordination efforts with parish emergency directors and remains ready to assist. The Crisis Action Team is evaluating incoming resource requests from local partners to ensure support is delivered efficiently. Additionally, recovery staff members continue supporting communities affected by Tropical Storm Arthur last month.
Residents can access emergency management resources by downloading the updated Get A Game Plan App, following GOHSEP on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or obtaining the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide at getagameplan.org.