Old 51 Civic Association

Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.

Following the 4:00 p.m. weather advisory from the National Hurricane Center, St. John the Baptist Parish is now under a Hurricane Warning. Parish President Natalie Robottom issued an Emergency Declaration for St. John the Baptist Parish at 4:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Isaac has strengthened slightly, but continues to move at 16 mph. Beginning late Monday night through Tuesday, storm surges of 3 to 6 feet are expected on the western shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Winds of 50 to 70 mph are anticipated beginning Tuesday morning and the storm is expected to produce approximately 9 inches of rain

No evacuations have been issued at this time; however, all St. John the Baptist Parish public, private, and parochial schools are closed until further notice. Residents are currently being asked to make emergency plans and preparations at this time. All Parish Government Offices will be open tomorrow until further notice. The St. John Emergency Operations Center is partially activated and open to receive phone calls at 985-652-2222 through the night.

Public Works and Utilities crews are monitoring pumps and generators at all facilities, securing additional generators for critical areas, and removing drainage barriers throughout the parish. As of 6:00 p.m. tonight, sand and bags are available at Fire Station #65 located at 337 Central Avenue in Reserve, LA and Fire Station #71 at 418 Historic West St. in Garyville, LA. Sand and bags will be available tomorrow morning after 10:00 a.m. at Fire Station #53 at 1703 St. Andrews Blvd. in LaPlace, Fire Station #94 at 1200 Hwy. 643 in Pleasure Bend, and on the West Bank at the old Second Ward High School at 3671 Highway 18 in Edgard. Residents are asked to bring a shovel to fill their bags.

Please stay tuned to local weather stations, St. John the Baptist Parish website at sjbparish.com, Government Access Channel 15, Facebook and twitter for updated information. Residents can also dial 2-1-1 for state emergency information.