BREAKING: Feds relax certain regs for relief efforts ahead of Tropical Storm Barry

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has issued an Emergency Declaration ahead of the expected landfall of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Barry. Emergency Declarations trigger the temporary suspension of certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations for motor carriers and drivers engaged in specific aspects of the emergency relief, including direct assistance for the immediate restoration of essential services (such as electrical, sewer, water and telecommunications) or essential supplies (such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel).

As the storm makes landfall, flash flooding will be an issue on parts of I-10 and I-20 as well as secondary roads in South Alabama, South Mississippi and most of Louisiana. Drivers stay weather aware in these areas through Saturday.

Rain amounts of 2-4 in. are likely from Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, Destin, and Panama City Beach. For the Mississippi coast, 4-6 in. are expected, and some parts of Southeast Louisiana could see more than 10 in. of rain due to the slow motion of the tropical system. Flooding is a real concern for New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

For a current list of state-by-state Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency