09/09/2024
Weather/Travel Advisory – Prepare Before the Storm
With the high probability of Tropical Storm Francine developing into a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane and a high likelihood of a Louisiana landfall, Louisiana State Police would like to remind the public to stay weather aware. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin midweek in a large portion of Louisiana. These high levels of rain can lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas and cause hazardous driving conditions on our roadways. Motorists should make safety a top priority and avoid traveling in inclement weather. If you encounter high water in your area, please turn around and find an alternate route. It only takes 12 inches of fast-moving water to carry away a small car and six inches to knock over and carry away an adult. Extra caution should be taken at night as it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
In the event of a Louisiana landfall, our highways will experience heavy traffic ahead of the storm. Residents who choose to evacuate are advised to travel north, not east or west. Motorists are asked to be aware of their surroundings, not be distracted, and drive carefully. We urge residents who don’t evacuate to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. We are working closely with our Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) partners and anticipate the potential of downed power lines, trees, and debris that may inhibit safe travel.
Always wear your seat belt and increase your following distance. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and alerts as watches and warnings will likely increase. Avoid unnecessary travel, never drive down flooded roads or around barricades, and stay aware of changing weather and emergency conditions.
Motorists are urged to call *LSP (*577) only in the event of roadside emergencies and not for informational purposes.
For road closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system, 511la.org, or Louisiana 511 smartphone application. Depending on the method utilized, the traveler information system allows access to valuable resources such as current road reports on crashes, weather related closures, and construction as well as real time traffic camera views.
Be weather ready and stay safe, Louisiana.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Governor Jeff Landry
Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
