Torrential rain and flash flooding is expected in Louisiana this weekend when upgraded Tropical Storm Lee hits.

Lee is carrying winds of 40mph and is expected to strengthen before it hits Louisiana.

Louisiana State Governor Bobby Jindal commented: “This is going to be a slow moving storm, there’s going to be a lot of rain and that water is going to accumulate,” said Louisiana State Governor Bobby Jindal.

Mississippi has declared a state of emergency a day after Louisiana, with emergency crews on standby in the city of New Orleans.

The Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu said: “We’re encouraging citizens in New Orleans to make their preparations. Again, you know, prepare for the worst and let’s hope for the best.”

Hurricane Gustav was the second most destructive hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season and caused serious damage in Louisiana where 2 million people were forced to evacuate their homes.