Gov. Bobby Jindal says back-to-back disasters have added new complications to the hurricane season that begins today. With the Mississippi River and its tributaries still high from flooding, Jindal says there are concerns about worsened flooding damage if a storm hits the state earlier in the summer than is normal. Plus, he says, the Army Corps of Engineers had to temporarily suspend some of its levee upgrade work because of the high water. Levee inspections will be just as important as the water recedes, Jindal says, to ensure against mudslides and other effects of stress put on the flood protection structures during the flooding. Meanwhile, last year’s oil spill has damaged the wetlands in Louisiana that protect against storm surge, lessening the state’s natural protection barriers.
Today’s poll question: Are you prepared for hurricane season?
