The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, located in New Orleans, La., has issued a mandatory evacuation of its barn areas due to a storm that could hit the area by the weekend, according to a report posted on BloodHorse.com.

According to the Blood-Horse report, about 1,000 horses are currently stabled at the racetrack for a Quarter Horse racing meet. The meet’s opening day has been moved from Aug. 16 to Aug. 21, the report said.

In the Blood-Horse Report, Eric Halstrom, Fair Grounds vice president and general manager for racing, said the early evacuation notice would give everyone "time to depart in an orderly and safe manner, as well as return before we resume racing next week, weather-permitting."