St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation due to the potential for dangerous storm surge, winds and flooding rainfall from Isaac. Current forecasts have the storm making landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Through the duration of the storm the parish expects the potential for widespread power outages for an extended duration, as well as a loss of emergency and parish services. This also includes the potential loss of all sewer and water services.
Current forecasts call for the parish to begin experiencing tropical storm-force winds between midnight and 4 a.m. on Tuesday. There will be the potential for winds in excess of 40 mph for an approximately 48-hour period, with potential gusts up to 80 mph. This will make travel on parish roadways extremely treacherous. Rainfall predictions are currently between 6 to 18 inches through the duration of the storm. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor storm forecasts as a further track changes to the west will create larger potential storm surge concerns for St. Charles Parish.
The parish is currently under a hurricane warning. Pump stations will be monitored 24/7 throughout the storm, with the majority of pump stations having the ability to be monitored and controlled remotely via telemetry.
St. Charles is urging residents to use social networks, family and neighbors to secure transportation out of the parish. However, those needing to make use of the parish's assisted evacuation program should call EOC IMMEDIATELY at (985) 783-5050. Bus pickups will take place today between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. THE DEADLINE TO RESERVE SPACE WITH ASSISTED EVACUATION IS 3:30 PM today. Weather conditions will not allow the parish to continue assisted evacuation service tonight or tomorrow.
Evacuees are limited to two bags – one carry-on size and one personal item. Please also bring seven days worth of medications. Those bringing pets should provide a labeled carrier, vaccination documentation and any pet medications.
St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property.
There are no anticipated road closures in St. Charles Parish for the duration of the storm except in cases of dangerous conditions such as flooding or downed trees or power lines. Residents are able to move freely in and out of St. Charles Parish today, but travel is not recommended once conditions worsen.
PLEASE NOTE:
- For a list of recommended evacuation routes, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane and click on ‘Parish Guide’ then ‘Evacuate.’
- Special needs assistance may be requested by calling EOC at (985) 783-5050.
- Please prepare your homes for strong winds and rain by securing outdoor objects, boarding windows and clearing drains and culverts.
- Schools in St. Charles Parish are closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Garbage service will run as usual today but will cease on Tuesday indefinitely. Those needing tree limb / debris pickup today should call EOC immediately at (985) 783-5050.
- Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.
Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day. Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.
