Obama declares emergency in Louisiana ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana as the Gulf Coast state prepares for Tropical Storm Isaac.

The White House said Obama informed Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal of the emergency declaration in a phone call Monday. The declaration makes federal funding available for emergency activities related to the storm. Obama also spoke with Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Obama has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to co-ordinate disaster relief efforts with state and local officials along the Gulf Coast.

Forecasters predict Isaac will intensify into a Category 1 hurricane later Monday or Tuesday, with a projected path directly toward New Orleans on Wednesday. Isaac could become the first hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast since 2008.

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