Hurricane Barry, the second named storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall on the central Louisiana coast on Saturday, July 13. Barry briefly became a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 75 mph before being downgraded to a tropical storm. Although New Orleans avoided the worst of the storm, much of southern Louisiana remains at risk of flooding as rain continues to fall on swollen rivers.
The weakened storm dropped approximately 3 to 5 inches of rain on eastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, and parts of Missouri and Mississippi as it tracks north through Tuesday.
Before the 2019 season hurricane season officially started on June 1, Subtropical Storm Andrea developed in May. This is the fifth year in a row that a tropical storm has formed before the season officially begins.
Fast facts: What you need to know about the 2019 hurricane season
- The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted near-normal tropical storm activity for the Atlantic Ocean this year.
- In an average season, there are 12 named storms, including six hurricanes. About half of them are major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.
What is World Vision doing to help?
Our Dallas storehouse has shipped a semitruck loaded with disaster relief supplies to our partner Hosanna Fellowship Church of Gretna, Louisiana. The truckload includes food, clean water, flood muck-out kits, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, diapers, and temporary shelter items, such as tarps, tents, and air mattresses.
Hosanna Fellowship, local churches, and officials delivered relief supplies to Plaquemines Parish and the town of Lafitte in Jefferson Parish, which were among the areas worst hit by the storm.
World Vision will continue monitoring the situation and supporting our partners in the area.
How can I help hurricane survivors?
Pray: Please pray for people affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Almighty Father, we ask for Your care and protection for people affected by destructive winds and floods. Give them the assurance of Your presence and equip those who will provide relief and assistance after the storm passes.
Give: Your gift will help provide relief to people affected by hurricanes, including Hurricane Barry, and other disasters in the U.S.
How does World Vision help hurricane-stricken communities?
At any given time, World Vision is responding to numerous disasters around the world. These include hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, natural disasters, conflicts, and refugee crises.
Where we are already working to improve the lives of children and families. We also help them prepare to weather the hazards that are most likely to occur. We pre-position relief supplies so that we can respond quickly with relief items. Essentials include food, water, hygiene supplies, household kits, and clean-up materials when disaster strikes. Recent examples include Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Maria, and Hurricane Irma.
Our goal is to supply short-term needs, help families rebuild their lives and livelihoods, and help communities become stronger and more resilient.
