Thread by @JSODonoghue

.@LouisianaGov has started his afternoon update on Hurricane Ida. You can watch it live here: #lalege #lagov

"This is a very strong storm." - @LouisianaGov.

He says winds will be at 140 mph when Hurricane Ida makes landfall.

Almost the entire state is under some type of warning or watch. #lalege #lagov

Once again, @LouisianaGov is saying we could be seeing 110 mph winds in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans and River parishes. #lalege #lagov

Louisiana is saying we could be getting 8-16 inches of rain in parts of the state...or maybe higher. Now he's saying it could be 20 inches of rain in some areas. #lalege #lagov

.@LouisianaGov says Hurricane Ida could be 300 miles long...and could cause flash flooding, river flooding and extreme wind in large parts of the state. #lalege #lagov

"This will be one of the strongest hurricanes to hit anywhere in Louisiana since the 1850s." - @LouisianaGov #lalege #lagov #lawx

Hurricane Laura was the most powerful storm to hit Louisiana since the 19th century I believe.

.@LouisianaGov says there are 137 coach buses from Lafayette to New Orleans to evacuate people. There are also 19 coach buses that are assisting in evacuating nursing homes. #lalege #lagov

Louisiana's "risk reduction system" -- the one put in place after Katrina -- will be activated for only the second time since it was completed.

I think the last time it didn't really get tested. I have a feeling this will be different. #lalege #lagov

Louisiana has opened shelters across the state. Only a few dozen people are using the shelters at this point though. #lalege #lagov

.@LouisianaGov is telling people evacuating from coastal Louisiana to NOT evacuate to Baton Rouge or Lafayette because those areas will be significantly affected. #lalege #lagov

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 dropped again today. A little more than 2,400 people with COVID are in the hospital. @LouisianaGov says it is a 20 percent drop over the last week. #lalege #lagov