Residents of Bell City, La., gathered Thursday morning to cut down trees, clear roads — and share what it was like as the storm made landfall overnight.

Smoke is rising over the city from a plant complex that makes chlorine for swimming pools, according to a state official. Residents are advised to shelter in place until further notice.

Officials fear that the growing number of COVID-19 cases could exceed the city's hospital capacity. As of noon Thursday, New Orleans had seen 11.8 deaths per 100,000 residents.