Barry has weakened, but its impact has not

A weakened Barry was downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression this afternoon, but the storm continues to dump rain over Louisiana as it makes its way northwest toward Arkansas along the Mississippi River. 

The National Hurricane Center warns life-threatening flash flooding is a possibility, as is significant river flooding. The NHC warns tornadoes are possible in southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, western Alabama, eastern Arkansas and western Tennessee. 

As of 4 p.m. CDT, the depression was moving north at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. All tropical storm warnings and coastal watches have been discontinued. Track Barry's path here with Paste BN's interactive map.

You are receiving this emergency information newsletter because you subscribe to the Daily Briefing newsletter in an area that may be affected or because you signed up for the Storm Watch newsletter. 

Please forward this email to anyone who may need it. Stay safe, everyone!

In Louisiana

Cities that may see flooding include Lafayette, Abbeville, Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville, Intracoastal City, Broussard, Youngsville, Erath, Delcambre, Cade, Jefferson Island, Coteau, Henry and Milton. Scroll down for tips on how to operate during a flooding situation.

A complete list of road closures in Lafayette, nearby Louisiana parishes can be found here. 

Thousands are still without power, though the number of impacted customers has decreased as the day has gone on. 

If you or someone you know is in need, the Red Cross has five shelters open in northern and eastern parts of Louisiana. 

• Bolton Ave. Community Center, 315 Bolton Ave., Alexandria 
• St. Helena College and Career Academy, 14340 Highway 37, Greensburg
• Hammond Westside Montessori, 2500 West Park Avenue, Hammond 
• Franklinton High School, 1 Demon Circle, Franklinton 
• Bogalusa High School, 100 M J Israel Drive, Bogalusa 

In Mississippi

The National Weather Service and officials continue to monitor Barry as it moves slowly north. Barry's waters will bring additional flooding to the 540,000 acres of the Delta already under water – much of it farmland, according to Gov. Phil Bryant, who said, "There will be unprecedented flooding."

Forecasters said 8 inches of rain fell in parts of Jasper and Jones counties, and several more inches are possible. Scroll down for tips on how to operate during a flooding situation.

There are tornado warnings in Pike, Perry and Wayne counties, and Poweroutage.us reports nearly 5,000 people were without power. 

Please stay safe, and drive only when truly necessary.

In Alabama

The National Weather Service in Birmingham says the worst weather conditions will remain west of central Alabama and passing rain and a few storms will continue across central Alabama. Tornado warnings expired midafternoon. 

Tips for floods

If you are affected by flooding, here are some tips from the Red Cross:

• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Evacuate if directed. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage.
• Avoid flooded areas and areas that are subject to sudden flooding such as dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Stay away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or water-covered roads.
• If caught in a flash flood, try to get to higher ground and stay there. Just 6 inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and 2 feet will float a car.
• Turn around and find another route if you come upon floodwater, rapidly rising water or barricades.
• Don’t allow children to play in or near floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage.

Damage? Insurance can be tricky 

Homeowner's, condo and renter's insurance covers damage from most perils, including tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms, rain, wind and fires. Homeowner's insurance will pay to repair the structure of the property up to the insured amount and other detached structures such as a garage or garden shed – typically about 10% of the main structure’s insured amount.

A homeowner's, condo or renter’s policy will reimburse you for any additional living expenses you incur because you can’t live in your damaged home: costs such as hotels, restaurant meals and laundromat expenses.

What about flood insurance? 

Damage from flooding is excluded from homeowner's, condo and renter’s insurance.

To get flood protection, you must buy a separate policy from the federally funded National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. You must buy separate coverage for your possessions; these are not automatically included in the flood policy.

Tax deductions? 

You can deduct personal property losses not covered by your insurance but only if the damage is from a federally declared disaster. This is a significant change under the new tax law. Before, any unreimbursed casualty or theft losses could be deducted.

To deduct the losses, you must subtract $100 from each loss before adding them up. The total must be more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. You can choose which year to take the deduction – it doesn’t have to be the same year the disaster occurred – to expedite your tax refund or possibly maximize it. 

And your car?

If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage – which is not required by law – then your insurer will pay for costs to repair damage to your car from any peril, such as major weather events or simply a fallen branch. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, your auto policy typically covers floods.

Your auto insurance often will cover rental car fees while your car is repaired or replaced. In some cases, it’s not automatically included, so you have to purchase this coverage at an extra cost.

How about loans? 

Homeowners and renters can apply for a low-interest, long-term federal loan from the Small Business Association to help pay for losses from a declared disaster. You can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace your primary home along with up to $40,000 to replace possessions.

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