One of the deadliest storms in American history, Betsy made landfall near New Orleans in Sept. 1965 and reached Monroe. SWEPCO is reporting more than 64,000 customer outages and nearly 1,000 outage cases. 4 0 obj Trees blow in the winds from Hurricane Laura near the Golden Nugget Hotel in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Aug. 27, 2020. As the storm moves . If we cannot verify you lived in or owned the home that you listed on your application, we will ask you to provide documents to prove occupancy and/or ownership to help us determine if you are approved for assistance. - Just over a year ago, it was a deadly tornado that dealt a blow to Ruston. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar. That first drive through Lake Charles after Hurricane Laura had been a gut punch. Damage assessments, debris removal, repairs and rebuilding of the electrical system is . 318.255.4353 Group "A"will report to school Monday and Wednesday. Or FEMA will ask you to send documents to verify your expenses. This is just a few minutes of footage I had on my phone. No evacuations during the storm, she said. Please enable JavaScript for a better experience. Impacted survivors from the approved designated counties can visit the nearest DRC for help to apply for assistance. All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. After tearing through Lake Charles, Laura raged into DeRidder and Leesville, continued north through Winn and Jackson parishes, then approached Lincoln Parish. endobj If necessary based on the losses you reported, an inspector will contact you by phone to schedule an inspection. You may also contact FEMA via your online disaster assistance account or by phone. FEMA is not allowed to provide disaster assistance for certain losses covered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. Where it's heading next: The storm is expected to continue moving across southwestern Louisiana in the early hours of the morning, then continue northward across the state through Thursday afternoon. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to individuals and households to help with disaster losses. Don't touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences, or water puddles. To help meet the housing needs, FEMAs Direct Housing Program was implemented. John Bel Edwards and members of his cabinet flew over Central and North Louisiana parishes on Friday to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Laura before . In April 2019, monstrous tornadoes ripped through the city and destroyed notable locations such as J.C. Love Field, Office Depot, and Parish Press. Translated into 27 languages, the "Help After a Disaster" brochure is a tool that can be shared in your community to help people understand the types of FEMA assistance that may be available to support individuals and families in disaster recovery. Damage has been reported this morning at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles. Bossier Sheriff's Office deputies have gone around the parish looking to assist those in low-lying areas. This is not like the tornado where we had a very specific area where the damage was, Walker said. <> - Louisiana Update - Hurricane Laura Restoration - 8/31/20 @ 6 p.m. By: Louisiana Editorial Team . This powerline just off of Monroe Street in Ruston was snapped by Lauras high winds. Published 7:36 pm UTC Aug. 27, 2020 Updated 7:09 pm UTC Aug. 27, 2020. It has since weakened to a Category 2, with winds of 110 mph. I admit I didn't have a plan for a hurricane in North Central Louisiana. Winds are now 110 mph, which makes Laura a strong Category 2 hurricane. Name;2. To check the status on a previously submitted claim, visit DisasterAssistance.gov. I am trying to follow news about Ruston to share with my parents who are living there but without power and internet right now. Perkins said officials would assess any damage from the storm as soon as possible. Date the damage occurred;4. Well be heading to Texas and Louisiana, and maybe an additional stop.. Laura made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Wednesday night and decimated southwest Louisiana before heading inland, striking Lincoln Parish as a Category 1 hurricane Thursday morning before downgrading into a tropical storm in Arkansas. The DPSO is urging residents to stay at home on Thursday. SBA information is also available at www.SBA.gov/disaster or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. You do not have to accept an SBA loan offer. If you are interested in providing paid services and goods for Hurricane Laura relief, follow the steps on our Doing Business with FEMA page to get started. The region has learned how to better respond to earthquakes -- but "Hurricane Laura, becauseof its intensity, by far thestrongest on record for thisregion, I think Laura's the newbenchmark for this part of theUnited States," he said. In a video posted to Facebook, Mayor Ronny Walker issued a curfew lasting from 7PM to 7AM tomorrow morning. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Roofing pieces are scattered dur to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, near DeRidder, La., as part of Gov. The shelter is a joint effort between, The City of Shreveport, The Parish of Caddo, and the Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Natchitoches Parish deputies reported damage throughout the parish including trees on homes, roofs blown off homes, trees on vehicles and trees blocking roadways. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Fallen trees and roof damage due to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, in DeRidder, La., as part of Gov. In the Valley District, which took the initial brunt of Laura as a Category 2 hurricane, the overall time of restoration is projected to be 10 p.m. Thursday. But the process of placing temporary units on properties takes time; Each installation is a construction project. Find a reputable organization through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster (NVOAD) website. Some great people in this community. The inspector should not need to view repair receipts or pictures of the damage. . 25 deaths in Louisiana attributed to Hurricane Laura, 14-year-old female, Vernon Parish, fallen tree, 51-year-old male, Jackson Parish, fallen tree, 68-year-old male, Acadia Parish, fallen tree, 64-year-old female, Allen Parish, fallen tree, 24-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 56-year-old female, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 61-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 81-year-old female, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 72-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 84-year-old male, Allen Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 80-year-old female, Allen Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 57-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, head injury after falling from roof, One resident, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning, 49-year-old male, Rapides Parish, storm cleanup, 36-year-old male, Beauregard Parish, heat-related illness, 80 to 89-year-old female, Beauregard Parish, heat-related illness, 65-year-old male, Rapides Parish, heat-related illness, 50-year-old male, Rapides Parish, heat-related illness, 70-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, carbon monoxide poisoning from generator, 41-year-old male, Vernon Parish, heat-related illness, 47-year-old male, Vernon Parish, heat-related illness, 59-year-old male, Calcasieu Parish, head injury during storm cleanup, 52-year-old male, Grant Parish, heat-related illness, 25-year-old male, Natchitoches Parish, electrocution, 10-year-old shot during argument, Marion man arrested, Black mans decapitated remains found after he warned his mom he was targeted by truckloads of white guys, KNOE Sunday Night Forecast with Jake Lambright, KNOE Sunday Evening Forecast with Jake Lambright, KNOE Saturday Night Forecast with Jake Lambright. Just 16 months ago, a tornado killed two people in Ruston and decimated portions of the city. Janet Loehrke Karl Gelles Janie Haseman USA TODAY. Well continue to report as things unfold over the next few days. Laura destroyed key parts of Louisiana's power grid after making landfall as the strongest hurricane to strike the state since 1856. Address, city, parish, and zip code; 5. Fallen trees due to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, in Ruston, La., as part of Gov. (cosmetic, nonstructural, extensive, primarily uninhabitable, inaccessible); 8. FEMA is also required to verify you owned your home before providing home repair or home replacement assistance. 'S8wr~7^ 7axWKkjB>X^0Ovqw[$u!6Yd)rVe" 8cgFc"}@UjfB~BBN~ u]iY=(IL&Cma kB:&. The city has a downtown clean up planned for Saturday, so were likely to see something similar this year. Survivors who previously applied for assistance do not need to visit the DRC, but if you have questions or need further information and would like to speak to someone in person, you may visit a DRC. Required fields are marked *. 7. The Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office said more than 200 trees were down . John Bel Edwards update on Hurricane Laura aftermath. But if you begin cleaning up before the inspection, FEMA suggests you take pictures, make a list of your losses, and keep receipts for all of your disaster-caused expenses. It has taken the lead in operational coordination for the federal interagency response to thecoronavirus pandemic. John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the western part of the state. Copyright 2020 WAFB. Leader photos by T. Scott Boatright, Nancy Bergeron, Nate . stream Hopefully everyone will have power back by tomorrow. After assessing the effects of Hurricane Laura, the 2nd Bomb Wing Commander has ordered Barksdale AFB to return to normal operations. Have questions on making repairs? John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the western part of the state. This is our entire city. 2 0 obj Call 1-888-218-3919 to report your outage. 3 0 obj Pictured are just a few of the sights captured in the wake of Hurricane Laura in Lincoln Parish. Oct. 20, 2020. John Bel Edwards held a press conference Friday afternoon at the Ruston Regional Airport after touring the area by air. It nearly reached Cat 5 status with winds ar. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Debris trucks are ready to go for cleanup due to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, in Monro, La., as part of Gov. Gov. Your email address will not be published. At this time, we know we have sustained damage to the facility, but are waiting until the morning to get a clear picture, hospital spokeswoman Heather Hidalgo tells CNN. Our teams are working hard to support state and local partners in response to Hurricane Laura. Do you own or rent the damaged property? U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides support to a nationwide network of housing counseling agencies (HCAs) and certified counselors. Per the Lincoln Parish Sherriffs Department, over 200 trees in the parish were knocked down during the storm. However, if you are approved for an SBA loan, and you do not accept it, you will not be referred back to FEMA for personal property or transportation assistance. With less traffic at night, restoring power and normalcy to the city will be much safer and quicker for road crews. You are no longer able to begin a new claim. Any evacuee still in need of shelter is asked to call 211 for assistance. Crews working on downed power lines and trees on Highway 167 North. Help us continue providing important content like this by subscribing today. Report downed lines immediately to SWEPCO at 1-888-218-3919. Ruston stayed strong, but this tree behind JACO Federal Credit Union on Vienna Street failed to remain upright during the heavy winds brought by Hurricane Laura on Thursday. Pictured are just a few of the sights captured in the wake of Hurricane Laura in Lincoln Parish. x\[O~G?"j%s93HGG3IL6Y$$lJuUuAUfP&/Wi9EZe9VY:~cG_"$XQ"YV^ Recovery will take many years after a disaster. You must complete and return a loan application to be considered for an SBA loan or certain types of FEMA assistance. endobj At 11 a.m., more than 125,000 SWEPCO customers were without power. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.. Louisiana Hurricane Laura, DR-4559-LA, Day 43 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY October 2020 7 Learn more about how to help those in need. FEMA prefers to place temporary housing units on individual private property owned by the applicant to keep households in their community and near their jobs, schools, churches and friends, while they rebuild their homes and lives. It was very big. Hurricane-force wind gusts are likely in the northern eye wall moving across Red River, Bienville and Jackson parishes. The top of the skybridge that goes from the hospital to the parking garage has lost its covering due to the powerful winds from Laura, Hidalgo said. Part of the line to get gas at the Shell on Farmerville Highway Friday, The line at for gas at the Chevron on Tech Drive Friday. The Relax Inn on North Trenton Street lost part of its roof Thursday from the pounding winds of Hurricane Laura. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Gov. Walker extended a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in Ruston through Friday due to power outages. On Saturday, Sept, 5, LDH reported that a 52-year-old man died to a heat-related illness while removing debris in Grant Parish. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Fallen trees and roof damage due to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, near DeRidder, La., as part of Gov. Cash is the best way to help those in need. Skip to main content. John Bel Edwards, center, heads out for a flyover of stricken areas in the northern part of the state Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, in Ruston, La. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Electric crews work to put the power back on due to Hurricane Laura damage Friday August 28, 2020, in Ruston, La., as part of Gov. Hurricane Laura made landfall around 1 a.m. in Cameron Parish. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office has reported downed trees in Logansport. Caddo Parish has announced it is opening up a shelter for residents. The storm arrived in Ruston with Category 1 status and sustained winds around 75 mph. After tornadoes left extensive damages last year, community members united with the hashtag #RustonStrong and volunteered to clear limbs and other fallen debris in their neighborhoods. As the storm continued to travel up the state, its path of destruction extended far and wide across Louisiana. The road to recovery for many Hurricane Laura and Delta survivors includes placement into temporary housing units, many of which are located in commercial parks. FEMA will automatically refer you to the SBA to be considered for a disaster loan if you meet SBAs income standards. Work starts with the major power lines and substations that serve large areas and restore power to the largest numbers of customers in the shortest time. August 28, 2020 . The cleanup in DeSoto Parish has kept people busy this afternoon. The worst should last about an hour and half. Here's a look at some of the rainfall numbers. Power outages in Louisiana and Texas are climbing at a rapid pace this morning, after Hurricane Laura made landfall on the Gulf Coast. - According to the Office of U.S. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Shreveport and the Caddo Adult Drug Court, both located at 1031 Creswell Ave. in Shreveport will remain closed. Gov. <> "The past biggies were HurricaneAudrey of 1957 which madelandfall in almost the exactsame place, killed hundreds ofpeople in the town of Cameron," he said. If you are referred to the SBA, FEMA will contact you via an auto-dialer system to explain how to apply for a disaster loan. The Louisiana National Guard arrived at the Ruston Exhibition Center on Friday morning with cases of water and boxes of pre-packaged meals. Hurricane Laura made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border as a Category . Further weakening will continue, and Laura will likely become a tropical storm later today as it tracks from Louisiana into Arkansas. Not in my lifetime, Wheeler told the News-Star. Although a downed line may look harmless, it could be carrying electricity. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. No problem! Natchitoches Parish officials have begun to assess the damage from Hurricane Laura in that parish. "Our hotels are starting to fill up because a lot of people from southwest Louisiana have come up here as well,'' Perkins said. Visit the News & Media page for events, fact sheets, press releases and other multimedia resources. Hurricane Laura went over Ruston as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday. Customers may initially see trucks patrolling for damage to the electric system, hazards such as downed power lines, and issues that could affect access for recovery work. I want to thank the Airmen of Team Barksdale and our Ark-La-Tex partners for their energy and attentiveness in preparing for the storm, thus enabling a speedy return to normalcy for our warrior Airmen, said Col Mark Dmytryszyn, 2nd Bomb Wing Commander. More than 317,000 of those customers are in Louisiana, while more than 77,000 are in Texas. 75 / 50. An official website of the United States government. The parish is also under a flash flood watch until 12:15 p.m. The Official Lincoln Parish Journal . Hurricane Laura went over Ruston as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday. The Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office said more than 200 trees were down and several roadways were blocked. Lincoln Parish is still under a hurricane warning. Send your questions to FEMA-MitOutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Gov. The district includes Natchitoches, Hornbeck, Mansfield, Logansport and the surrounding areas in eight parishes. Northwestern State University has canceled in-person and online classes until Sept. 8 due to power issues in Natchitoches. FEMA uses your household annual gross income and number of dependents to determine if you should be referred to the SBA. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 318. . Natchitoches is one of several northwest Louisiana parishes under a hurricane warning. MONROE, LA (KTVE/KARD)- Hurricane Laura hit Northeast Louisiana Thursday morning, leaving many Monroe residents shocked by the outcome of the storm It was very powerful but it passed quickly,"Trump said Thursday during a visit to the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he received an update on the storm. Priority is given to essential public health and safety facilities such as hospitals and police and fire stations. Representatives from FEMA and SBA are available at these centers to explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about written correspondence, and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant. For more information about the SBA disaster loan program, please call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339). WEST MONROE, La. @PGA #HurricanLaura #rustonstrong pic.twitter.com/FaZdZC3Iq7. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office is reporting numerous trees down on state and parishroadways. Learn more about Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for federal public benefits. In April 2019, monstrous tornadoes ripped through the city and destroyed notable locations such as J.C. Love Field, Office Depot, and Parish Press. The Caddo Sheriff's Office said it will release additional information on the shelter later today. Ruston Daily Leader . (KTVE/KTAL) Gov. Governor John Bel Edwards has reported 4 storm related deaths. Fingers crossedthank you for visiting! John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the northern part of the state. Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) is estimatingmost customers in the Shreveport-Bossier area will have power restored by 10 p.m. Wednesday. FEMA will verify your disaster-caused losses. The storm moved into the Valley District as a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph maximum sustained winds. Hurricane Lauramade landfall early Thursday in Cameron, unleashing Category 4-storm winds and storm surge on southwest Louisiana. Gov. At the peak Thursday, 136,000 customers in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were without power. The University is closed until power is restored. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond. FEMA cant provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source. Incident Period: Aug 22, 2020 - Aug 27, 2020 Declaration Date: Aug 28, 2020 Quick Links. A 25-year-old man died in Natchitoches Parish from an electrocution after coming into direct contact with a power line. Widespread power outages and fallen trees have been reported throughout the parish. Laura has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, with winds now at 120 mph, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. A new FEMA drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) opens tomorrow, Oct. 14 in Ruston, Louisiana. Ruston, LA faces challenges as Tropical Storm Laura runs rampant throughout Louisiana and the surrounding states. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Nearly 2,300 workers from 14 states and Canada will join more than 400 SWEPCO employees to restore power. While crews may not be in the immediate area of individual outages, they may be working elsewhere to complete repairs necessary to restore power to the larger area. Wheeler said the strength and speed of Hurricane Laura allowed the storm to hit so far inland. Big shoutout to @Samburns66 for coming back with a chainsaw to help remove trees and debris from our driveway so we could get home! As Hurricane Laura moved through Louisiana on Thursday morning, high winds and steady rains began causing problems for many residents. John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the central part of the state. Already, parish officials are reportingclosed roads after trees had been toppled by the wind. The storm is expected to further weaken as it moves quickly inland over Louisiana, with hurricane force winds extending out 60 miles from the center. Recovery . Now it turned out we got a little bit lucky. Caddo Parish and the Caddo Parish Commission will resume normal operations on Friday. "We're going to do everything as quickly as possible for return to normal,'' Perkins said. Monroe News-Star. A lock ( The number of customers without power continues to climb as heavy rains with hurricane- and tropical-storm-force winds head north. Then crews fix local power lines and equipment and serve multiple customers and individual service lines to homes and businesses. John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the northern part of the state. According to meteorologist Don Wheeler, Monroe should have winds well over 50 mph. LAKE CHARLES, La. Hurricane Laura reached Natchitoches Parish as a Category 1 hurricane. As the storm moves through Louisiana, there have been major power outages, road closures and one fatality. Visit our media collection to see more of their support in action. HUD-participating HCAs are approved and trained to provide tools to current and prospective homeowners and renters so they can make responsible choices to address their housing needs in light of their financial situations. . How bad is the damage? The center, known as the eye of the hurricane, is currently 30 miles north of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and 50 miles northeast of Port Arthur, Texas. FEMA is required to verify you lived at the address in your application as your primary residence before providing most types of assistance. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office said more than 60 trees have been clearedfrom roads andvarious others on homes. Aerial photos: A first look at Hurricane Laura's path of destruction in north, central Louisiana. John Bel Edwards flyover of stricken areas in the northern part of the state. This will be moving into an area along the I-20 corridor including Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, and Union parishes over the next 1-2 hours, he says. Trinette Thomas felt a barrage of surprise and despair as she . The roof has been blown off the Robeline Police Station in Robeline. The letter would either be mailed to you or placed into your Disaster Assistance Center account, if you have set up an account. Recovery: Battered Louisiana begins recovery after Hurricane Laura as death toll rises to 10. Laura made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana, at 1 a.m. CDT, August 27 as a strong Category 4 with 150 mph winds, southwest Louisiana's first Category 4 landfalling hurricane on record, according . The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office said Highway 173 at Smith Lane is closed due to power lines and power pole across the roadway. 112,000 of the affected customers are in northwest and central Louisiana. Laura is still a hurricane as it moves through central Louisiana. John Bel Edwards boards a helicopter to survey the damage in Ruston. All died when trees fell on their homes. Is there insurance for this property damage? Lincoln Parish remains under both a tropical storm warning and flash flood watch today as an angry Hurricane Laura pushes her way into north Louisiana. National Guardsmen distributing food and water to parish residents at the Expo Center Sunday, Cedar Creek students working to clear downed trees on a teacher's property, Ernie Stevens' East Colorado Avenue dining room, Margaret Richardson's house on Richardson Hill Road. Hurricane Laura came on shore in Louisiana as a category 4 storm. Also, 5796 Colquitt Road is closed due to power lines in the roadway and a tree down. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP, Pool), Gov. &44p]S!&dWpgW,?bVw;_Mr #e1=VBx7U$]=7N When you get your insurance settlement or denial, please send a copy to FEMA as soon as you can. To help meet the housing needs, as part of the Direct Temporary Housing Program, FEMA has identified a number of commercial parks with available pads throughout the affected areas to temporarily house displaced residents.