All lanes of Interstate 10 at the Louisiana-Texas state line are expected to be closed later Tuesday because of widespread flooding, said authorities in those two states.
The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness tweeted earlier Tuesday that the interstate had already been shut down. A few hours later the agency sent an update saying I-10 would be closed later in the day.
It’s not known how long the interstate will be closed, the Texas Department of Public Safety told CNN. More rain is forecast for later this week.
The interstate runs through Orange County, Texas, and CNN affiliate KTRK-TV reported that a mandatory evacuation was in effect for that area.
Heavy rain and floods have damaged about 6,143 homes in Louisiana over the last few days, the emergency preparedness office said Monday night.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said portions of Interstate 59 in south Louisiana and south Mississippi may also have to close because of rising water.
Since Wednesday, the Louisiana National Guard has reported 4,255 rescues and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has reported 700, the emergency preparedness office said.
More than 200 people stayed Monday night at 14 Red Cross and community-run shelters in Louisiana, the Red Cross said.
“We need the public’s support now,” said Kay W. Wilkins, chief executive of the Red Cross in Louisiana. “Entire families have lost their homes and everything they own to these floodwaters.”
President Barack Obama declared on Sunday that a “major disaster” had struck the state. The initial federal declaration was for Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Webster parishes, according to the emergency preparedness office.