Governor John Bel Edwards declared Louisiana is in a state of emergency as residents prepare to hunker down and others evacuate as the season's first tropical storm heads toward our state.

The Advocate reports the Governor's state of emergency order will limit gas price hikes, which will remain in effect now through August 8, 2019 or unless otherwise terminated. Officials are also reportedly looking at requesting a federal declaration. If this happens, disaster aid and resources will be provided for Louisianians prior to the rain coming ashore.

KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry will keep you up to date on local Lake Charles weather conditions with the latest national conditions and landfall timelines. Click here a list of business/school/government and city closures and cancellations throughout the parish. For a list of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) statewide road/street/bridge closures, view the statewide 511.org map or call 511. Download the LADOTD mobile app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. See LADOTD Emergency Planning for details on how to leave or stay in your area during dangerous storms. For a map of Tropical Storm Barry evacuation routes, click here.

Tropical Storm Edouard Heads For Gulf Coast
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Below is a live weather radar to help you stay up to date with the storm's coordinates ( courtesy of National Hurricane Center Doppler Radar and KPLC Live Weather Doppler.)

...DISTURBANCE BECOMES TROPICAL STORM BARRY...
...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE, HEAVY RAINS, AND WIND CONDITIONS EXPECTED ACROSS THE NORTH-CENTRAL GULF COAST...

Keep an eye on KPLC 7 Weather Alerts. The Louisiana coast is under a Tropical Storm Warning according to the National Hurricane Center, from Pearl River to Morgan City. There's also a Storm Surge Warning in effect for the entire Louisiana coast as well from Atchafalaya River to Shell Beach.

Additionally, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watches are in effect for the following areas: Mississippi coast east of the Mouth of the Pearl River to the Mississippi,  Alabama state line, and for Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas including the metropolitan New Orleans area.

For sandbag locations near you, click here, in Calcasieu Parish:

Ward 1 Barn- 461 Parish Road Moss Bluff
Ward 2 Barn- 7085 La. 14 East, Hayes
Ward 3 Barn/East Public Works Facility James Sudduth Parkway, behind 5500B Swift Plant Road, Lake Charles
Ward 3 Old Barn- 2320 Smith Road, Lake Charles
Ward 4 Barn-2911 Post Oak Road, Sulphur
Ward 6 Barn-1275 Plum Street, Dequincy
Ward 8 Barn 1726 Parish Barn Road, Iowa

Tropical Storm Barry is packing heavy rains and dangerous wind conditions causing massive flooding across the state into Mississippi and even parts of Alabama. Please prepare for power outages, and make sure your vehicles are gassed up, that you have all your medication, important paperwork/birth certificates/SS cards where you can easily access them if you and your family have to evacuate.

If you live in a low-lying area, in a flood zone, or near any body of water leave now so that you are not sorry later. Find higher ground with a relative, family friend or hotel until flooding in your area is no longer a threat. Property and material items are replaceable while your lives are not.

Make plans to relocate your animals as well. Many people make the mistake of leaving animals behind if they have to evacuate. Do not do that. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet. Many of today's hotels are pet-friendly, like Hilton Home2, all Choice/ Quality, Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta and more. You can book a stay with these hotels and bring your animals with you so that they can be safe as well.

By the way, if you have current shot records, you can board your animal at a veterinarian or boarding facility in whatever city you evacuate to. For more info, see the best places to board your pet in Louisiana and Texas.

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