St. Charles Parish has declared a state of emergency due to the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac.
Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. signed the order at 10:15 a.m., according to a press release from the parish, in advance of expected 105 mph winds, higher gusts, and storm surges between six and eight feet beginning Monday night and into Tuesday.
Calls for evacuations are possible as early as this evening, the release continued, due to the threat of dangerous storm surge and widespread flooding. However, residents who wish to evacuate voluntarily are encouraged to do so before an official evacuation order is given.
Information on assisted evacuations will be issued when it is available. Special needs assistance may be requested by calling (985) 783-5050.
St. Charles Parish expects to experience widespread power outages as a result of TS Isaac, including a loss of emergency and regular services. The parish is urging residents to prepare their homes, inlcuding boarding up windows, picking up loose items outside that may be blown by winds, and cleaning culverts and storm drains. Sandbag locations around the parish are being stocked; residents should bring a shovel to fill bags. A list of sandbag locations can be found at www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane.
Additionally, St. Charles Parish public schools have cancelled classes scheduled through Wednesday.
The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Biloxi, Miss. on Tuesday.
