Delta strengthens and its threat extends to Texas 3:03
(CNN) -
Communities along the US Gulf Coast are bracing for a "life-threatening" storm surge and fierce winds as Hurricane Delta, now Category 3, draws ever closer.
The storm, with winds of about 120 miles per hour through Friday morning, is expected to make landfall at night just east of Lake Charles, according to meteorologist Rob Shackelford, and hit communities already battered by Hurricane Laura. just a few weeks ago.
Delta strengthens again to major hurricane and could be Category 3 when it makes landfall in the United States
"We believe there will be hurricane force winds and storm surge in Southwest Louisiana in the area of our state that is least prepared to withstand it," Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said Thursday, urging residents to create a hurricane action plan.
The National Hurricane Center warned of a "dangerous" storm surge expected near the arrival of the hurricane and parts of the Louisiana coast could see up to 10 feet of water.
The Gulf prepares for Delta
That will be combined with strong winds and rain likely to lead to "significant flash flooding" in parts of Louisiana on Friday and Saturday, the center said.
"While we fully intend to get to you as quickly as possible in the event you need rescue or any other assistance, you should plan as if the first 72 hours were on your own," Edwards said.
Several communities, including the districts of Cameron and Calcasieu, where Lake Charles is located, have mandatory evacuation orders.
A hurricane warning is in effect for High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, and storm surge warnings are in effect for parts of Texas and Mississippi, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Up to 10 inches of rain is expected through Saturday in parts of southern and central Louisiana, and some areas are forecast to see up to 16 inches of water, Shackelford said.
'I'm packing to go again'
In a final call to residents to evacuate, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said Thursday afternoon that city employees would move "heaven and earth" to help leave anyone who wanted to leave the city sooner. from the storm.
"Eventually, we will come to a point where it will no longer be safe to hit the roads," Hunter said in a video message posted on Facebook.
Think of yourself and your family.
And it is our firm request that you heed the advice and evacuate.
Hurricane Delta is heading toward the same area that Laura devastated in Louisiana just six weeks ago
In Cameron, Louisiana, Leona Boullion told CNN affiliate KPRC that her home was saved from Hurricane Laura, but wasn't sure if she would be as lucky this time.
"I'm packing to go again," said Boullion.
I just hope I have something to come back to.
Local leaders also warned of the possibility of tornadoes, which could hit parts of Louisiana and Mississippi through Friday, according to the hurricane center.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for parts of Texas and Louisiana, including New Orleans, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she was "very concerned" about the possibility of tornadoes.
"We are not in the cone, but again, we anticipate feeling strong impacts related to Hurricane Delta," he said, according to CNN affiliate WDSU.
"Tropical storm force winds, this is also a big concern, rain and possible flash floods is what we are waiting for."
Mississippi National Guard, roster
Meanwhile, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said Thursday that the state has sent resources to help communities and will also deploy the National Guard if necessary.
Officials there also warned of the possibility of tornadoes in the state, as well as heavy rain.
"We anticipate that the storm, or at least what remains of the eye of it, will only pass about 30 hours in Mississippi," Reeves said.
"During that time, we expect significant rainfall, up to four to six inches in the southwestern counties, and perhaps some of the western Delta counties that are on the Mississippi River."
Earlier this week, the governor declared a state of emergency "in anticipation of damage" and urged residents to "prepare for the worst."
In Texas, public safety officials urged residents along the coast to prepare for severe weather, including high winds and localized flooding.
The governor said earlier this week that the state had prepared resources to be ready to respond.
"Texans in the path of this storm must continue to heed the guidance and direction of local officials, remain cautious, and remember: turn around, don't drown," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release.
CDC warns of carbon monoxide poisoning
Before the storm, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warned doctors and clinics to be on the lookout for carbon monoxide poisoning.
People often turn on gas generators, charcoal or gas grills, and propane appliances when power goes out after a storm hits, and these can generate carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless, and deadly gas.
"If misused or misplaced, these sources can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside buildings, garages or motorhomes and poison people and animals inside," the CDC said in an advisory this week.
At least nine deaths related to Hurricane Laura in Louisiana were from carbon monoxide poisoning, health officials said last month.
"These devices should never be used inside a confined space, home, basement, garage or caravan, or even outside near an open window or window air conditioner," the CDC said.
CNN's Maggie Fox and Hira Humayun contributed to this report.
Hurricane Delta
