Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the low-lying areas of Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes. A voluntary evacuation has been called for areas south of Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow and Port Fourchon in Lafourche Parish. Lafourche Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says they expect water will cover Highway One in that area.
“We would like to see as many people, if not everyone, get on the inside of the levee system today because we just don’t know the timing of when that road will have to be shut down,” said Matherne.
Matherne says they are anticipating strong winds and heavy rainfall in Lafourche and residents are taking this storm seriously.
“You’re starting to see store shelves get a little empty around the parish as people stock up on supplies, so people are clearly monitoring and making themselves aware,” said Matherne.
Plaquemines Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Jade Duplessis says the height of the Mississippi River and the potential for levees to overtop is their main concern…
“We are taking precautions, we have sandbags readily available,” said Duplessis.
Duplessis says their mandatory evacuation order affects up to 10,000 residents in low-lying areas of the parish.
“Our residents are very concerned, our social media, as well as our website, have been flooded with a ton of questions, so they are eager for information and we are proving answers,” said Duplessis.
Evacuations have also been ordered for portions of Calcasieu, Cameron, Vermilion, Iberia and St. Mary parishes.
