STATE OF LOUISIANA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION NUMBER 89 JBE 2021

STATE OF EMERGENCY-HEAVY RAIN, SEVERE STORMS,
AND FLASH FLOODING

WHEREAS,   the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S. 29:721, el seq., confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with emergencies and disasters, including those caused by fire. flood, earthquake or other natural or man-made causes, in order to ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Louisiana;

WHEREAS, when the Governor determines that a disaster or emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent. La. R.S. 29:724(8)(1) empowers him to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or both;

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has indicated a moderate risk of excessive rainfall with impacts across Louisiana;

WHEREAS, there has been localized heavy rainfall and flash flooding across portions of the state through Wednesday morning of this week;

WHEREAS,   it is anticipated that this severe weather event will produce record rainfall in excess of 12 inches in some areas with more rain expected over the next 48 hours;

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service also has identified several suspected tornadoes with numerous watches and warnings currently in place;

WHEREAS, many parishes across the state are poised to take protective measures to help mitigate for the potential of heavy rains and flooding, search and rescue assets have been requested by several parishes, and emergency shelters are open, which may require additional measures to mitigate for potential affects from the COVID-19 pandemic;

WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana could potentially experience severe damage  which threatens the safety, health, and security of the citizens of the State of Louisiana, along with damage to private property and public facilities; and

WHEREAS,    these measures are necessary for the health and safety of the people of Louisiana.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S. 29:721, et seq., a state of emergency is hereby declared to exist in the State of Louisiana as a result of the imminent threat of emergency conditions that threaten the lives and property of the citizens of the State.

SECTION 2: The Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hereby authorized to undertake any activity authorized by law which he deems appropriate in response to this declaration.

SECTION 3: All departments. commissions, boards. agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this severe weather event.

SECTIONS 4: This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Monday, May 17, 2021 to Wednesday, June 16. 2021, unless terminated sooner.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 17th day of May, 2021.

John Bel Edwards
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SECRETARY OF STATE