NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — The storm threatening the Louisiana coast has strengthened to a hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its 11 a.m. Saturday advisory that Barry had reached maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds were measured some 45 miles (75 km) to the east of the storm’s center, which was located 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Lafayette, Louisiana. It was moving northwest at 6…

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Heavy rains and gusty winds knocked out power on the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Barry churned a path to shore, threatening millions and testing flood-prevention efforts implemented after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 14 years ago. Officials predicted Barry would make landfall as this year’s first hurricane Saturday morning near Morgan City, west of New Orleans, where a curfew has been set until 6 a.m. and a long day started with…

By KEVIN McGILL and JANET McCONNAUGHEY, Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — Heavy rains and gusty winds knocked out power on the Gulf Coast on Saturday as a strengthening Tropical Storm Barry churned a path to shore, threatening millions and testing flood-prevention efforts implemented after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 14 years ago. Officials predicted Barry would make landfall as this year’s first hurricane in the morning near Morgan City, west of New Orleans. The small…

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — The worst of Tropical Storm Barry is yet to come, but one Alabama resident is already dealing with a mess after the rising tide swallowed a car parked near the beach. Footage from Dauphin Island, Alabama, showed the grey Dodge sedan submerged up to its wheel wells in sand as the tide continued to rise around it. It’s not clear why the car was left parked so close to the shore…

Building toward hurricane strength, Tropical Storm Barry began hitting Louisiana with wind and rain Friday as it closed in for what could be a long, slow – and epic – drenching that could trigger severe flooding in and around New Orleans. With the storm expected to blow ashore by early Saturday as the first hurricane of the season, National Guard troops and rescue crews were posted around the state with boats, high-water vehicles and helicopters….

When it comes to tropical storms and hurricanes, each storm carries its own unique set of dangers. Here’s a look at five deadly hurricane dangers that forecasters keep an eye on, according to AccuWeather. Storm surge Storm surge is defined as “abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted tides,” according to NOAA. As it reaches increasingly shallow waters, this powerful vertical movement of water is pushed ashore, AccuWeather explains….

By Dakin Andone and Brandon Miller, CNN CNN — Tropical Storm Barry, the first tropical system to strike the US this year, is just off the Gulf Coast and gaining power. Here’s what you should know: How strong is the storm and where is it? Barry was churning midday Friday in the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, per the National Hurricane Center’s advisory at 11 a.m. ET. The storm at…

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — ABC11 is in First Alert Mode as parts of central North Carolina are at risk for severe weather Friday.Storms pushed through Thursday, bringing heavy rain and high wind. Those same issues remain a possibility Friday. There is a Marginal Risk for severe weather for the southern 2/3’s of our viewing area. Biggest threats from damaging wind, and possibly some localized flooding. #ncwx pic.twitter.com/AwpCgvH6fE — Don Schwenneker (@BigweatherABC11) July 12, 2019…

PHILADELPHIA — A pregnant woman and her 8-year-old son were killed as severe storms hit Pennsylvania on Thursday night. Authorities said a woman in her 30s and her young son were swept away for approximately a half mile while they were inside their car when heavy rains flooded the area. Officers said around 4:30 p.m. the woman reported being stuck inside the car with her son. She told authorities the water was rushing inside the…

By KEVIN McGILL and JANET McCONNAUGHEY, Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — Tropical Storm Barry’s wind and rain began hitting parts of Louisiana Friday as New Orleans and coastal communities braced for a drenching from what could be the season’s first hurricane. A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast, with forecasters predicting landfall as a hurricane by early Saturday. The storm’s rains are expected to pose a severe test of New Orleans’ improved…

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Tropical Storm Barry’s wind and rain began hitting parts of Louisiana early Friday as New Orleans and coastal communities braced for a drenching from what’s expected to be the first hurricane of the season. A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast, with forecasters predicting landfall as a hurricane by early Saturday. The storm’s rains are expected to pose a severe test of New Orleans’ improved post-Katrina flood defenses…

RALEIGH (WTVD) — ABC11 is in First Alert Mode because part of central North Carolina is at risk for severe weather Thursday. There is a marginal risk for severe weather in the afternoon and evening. The places at risk include Wake County and areas north, like Roxboro. There is a Marginal (Category 1) Risk for severe weather for the northern half of our area this afternoon/evening. Biggest threat = damaging winds. #ncwx pic.twitter.com/tdtqKwECpH — Don…

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist, & Joe Fisher, WRAL multimedia journalist Smithfield, N.C. — Strong storms flooded parts of central North Carolina overnight, and more storms are expected Friday evening. Ten people were escorted out of a shelter for families in Smithfield through about 18 inches of water, Johnston County authorities said. Numerous roads in Smithfield were flooded, 911 dispatchers said, including at Venture Drive and Outlet Center Drive. WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the…