HURRICANE LAURA UPDATE [https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20200828/hurricane-laura-update] Release Date: August 28, 2020 The storm’s impact stretches from the coastal areas to further inland communities that are experiencing heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Laura is now a tropical depression but continues to have impact. Arkansas had heavy rain overnight, and we will see rain move into the mid-Mississippi Valley today and the mid-Atlantic states Saturday, which could lead to some river flooding. There is a risk of flash flooding across portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas through Friday evening. Today’s forecast also indicates the risk of tornadoes could redevelop later this afternoon into the evening across parts of the Mid-South and Tennessee Valley regions. Even with the storm weakening, we still ask everyone to stay focused on safety and encourage to practice the following: * RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY LAURA should continue to follow guidance from officials in their area. * IF YOU HAVE BEEN EVACUATED, do not return until local officials indicate it is safe to do so. * IF YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO SHELTER IN PLACE, please do so until advised it is safe. * DON’T DRIVE OR WALK THROUGH FLOOD WATERS. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water, and other hidden hazards. * STAY OFF ROADS so that emergency workers are able to get through. * USE EXTREME CAUTION when operating heavy machinery, generators, or removing debris. Do not use generators indoors. * RESPONSE IS A WHOLE COMMUNITY EFFORT; if it’s safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now. Initial impact assessments and search and rescue operations are continuing along the Gulf Coast, FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance representatives are on the ground, coordinating with state and local partners as well as FEMA’s Public Assistance experts are coordinating with the U.S. Corps of Engineers on debris removal and roofing repair estimates. Federal personnel and supplies were pre-positioned before the storm hit and we continue to move resources into the area to meet requests from state and local authorities. FEMA has nearly 750 personnel deployed to support the response and recovery, including eight Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) deployed to Louisiana and Texas, and four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have deployed to Louisiana. Over 16,000 utility personnel from at least 26 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada have been mobilized to support restoration efforts. FEMA has 113 generators staged in Louisiana and Texas if requested, and another 314 generators available in our distribution centers if needed ready to deploy to the impacted area. Visit www.ready.gov [https://www.ready.gov/] and download the FEMA app for tips before, during and after a storm and to receive weather updates.