LAPLACE – St. John Parish officials reported late Sunday evening that over 800 residents of the parish had been evacuated with the approach of Hurricane Gustav on the horizon.

As of Sunday night, Gustav continued to be rated a Category 2 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and is aiming at a direct hit to Southeast Louisiana, with the River Region expected to sustain serious damage as the storm travels to the west of the area.

National Weather Service forecasters are still predicting the storm to hit the region by early in the morning on Monday with initial high winds, with the eye expected to pass within 50 miles to the west of St. John Parish.

As of Sunday night, winds from Gustav were peaking at 115 miles per hour, and further strengthening was possible before it hit land on Monday morning. However dryer air that had wrapped into the eastern side of the storm throughout the day on Sunday had diminished the anticipated strengthening that forecasters originally had predicted.

That has left Gustav considerably weaker than the Category 4 hurricane which originally was predicted for the region.

St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard has issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents of the parish, although that does not mean residents who do not evacuate will face criminal charges. It only means that public services are not guaranteed for those who remain.

Additionally, a curfew Hubbard put into effect over the weekend continues to be in effect, from 10 p.m. nightly until 6 a.m. the next morning.

Public information officer Buddy Boe reported late Sunday that all public transportation to safe ground has now ended.

Localized flooding is still expected to take place in low-lying areas throughout St. John. Residents are still being asked to leave these areas immediately as the effects of Gustav will be felt early Monday morning, and throughout the day on Monday.

Hurricane force winds are expected to be felt Monday for many hours. Gusts of up to 100 mph are expected. Residents are asked to secure all loose items and evacuate their homes to seek safer shelter, Hubbard urged.

 The Governor's office has established a toll-free number that you can call to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information state officials have on the storm: (866) 288-2484.

Contraflow continues on the interstate systems under the guidance of the Louisiana State Police.  They continue to report heavy traffic on state roads so be prepared for that and make sure to fill up your cars with gas before entering evacuation routes.  To view the state Department of Transportation's Contraflow maps, visit http://www.dotd.state.la.us/maps/.

All sandbag operations that had previously been open in St. John Parish are no longer available, Boe reported.

Also closed in St. John as of Sunday night are the Animal Shelter, Post Office, Courthouse, Public Schools, Libraries, River Parishes Hospital and all businesses, Garbage collection has also been suspended.

For as long as power remains on in the River Region, stay tuned to L’Observateur’s web site at this location, and the local Channel 15 for more information from St. John officials.