Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana and Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama both declared states of emergency on Tuesday. The next day, Gov.
Mr. Edwards said on Wednesday that President Trump had approved Louisiana’s request for federal emergency declaration before the storm hit. The declaration authorizes FEMA Public Assistance to support the state’s response to Hurricane Delta.
At least three parishes in Louisiana were under a mandatory evacuation, including Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish and Jeff Davis Parish. Several more parishes were under a voluntary evacuation.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said on Wednesday that the state was providing resources needed to respond to the storm.
In Mississippi, emergency officials sent 160,000 sandbags to several counties along the Gulf Coast including Harrison, Hancock and Jackson, and said there were nine shelters ready to open if needed.
College football officials said on Wednesday that Saturday’s game between Louisiana State University and the University of Missouri would be moved from Baton Rouge, La., to Columbia, Mo. The Southeastern Conference, whose membership includes both schools as well as 12 other universities, also left open the possibility that the storm would affect other athletic events in the coming days.
This hurricane season has been one of the most active on record.
Last month, meteorologists ran out of names after a storm named Wilfred formed in the Atlantic. Subtropical storm Alpha, the first of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, quickly formed thereafter, becoming the 22nd named storm since May.
Chelsea Brasted reported from New Orleans, and Derrick Bryson Taylor from London. Alan Blinder contributed reporting from Atlanta, Kirk Semple from Mexico City and Daniel Victor from London.