NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard has mobilized resources and personnel to repond to people in distress for Tropical Storm Isaac.
Aircraft, prepositioned out of harm’s way prior to the storm, are en route to southeastern Louisiana and affected areas to conduct search-and-rescue operations and then assess the status of ports and waterways.
The Coast Guard has also deployed aircraft from Pensacola, Fla., to perform search and rescue and damage assessments.
The Coast Guard, coordinating with federal, state and local response partners, is taking reports and prioritizing initial response to protect life and property.
“Our priority is search and rescue, first and foremost, followed by assessment of impacts, as we come out of the highest intensity of the storm,” said Rear Adm. Roy A. Nash, commander of the 8th Coast Guard District.
Tropical Storm Isaac is currently located about 15 miles east-southeast of Houma or about 40 miles southwest of New Orleans. Current motion is a slow drift toward the west-northwest. Due to the expected slow motion of the storm, the potential for heavy flooding rains is anticipated over much of Louisiana, Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, Arkansas and southeastern Mississippi.
The Coast Guard advises people to remember the following:
• Stay informed of Hurricane Isaac’s progress.
• Follow your severe weather plan.
• Follow the instructions of local law enforcement and first responders.
• If in distress, contact the Coast Guard by the most expedient means. Persons in distress can contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or by dialing 504-589-6225.
