Tropical Storm Marco Expected to Become a Hurricane

Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana on Saturday requested a federal emergency declaration from the White House, as he warned that Marco and Laura were forecast to affect the state in quick sequence early next week. Mr. Edwards’s request came one day after he used his powers as governor to declare a state of emergency.

“In the past 24 hours, the tracks of these two storms have changed dramatically and in a way that is unfavorable for our state,” Mr. Edwards said. “This is unlike anything we have seen, with two hurricanes expected to impact our state nearly back to back.”

He warned that people might have to shelter in place for more than 72 hours and that it might be difficult to restore power between the two storms.

“I encourage everyone to begin their emergency preparations now, as some areas of the state may be impacted by two storms,” he said.

So far, 14 parishes have issued emergency declarations; five parishes are in the process of completing emergency declarations; and more are anticipated over the next day or two, Louisiana officials said.

Declaring a state of emergency allows the state to help local governments with their preparations, Mr. Edwards said. He advised Louisiana residents to include face masks and hand sanitizer in their emergency kits. “Covid-19 does not become less of a threat because of tropical weather,” he said.