LAPLACE – Tropical Storm Karen continues to weaken as dry air and wind shear break through the system. The track forecast has shifted slightly west, weakening the impacts for most of coastal Louisiana. Storm surge levels for St. John the Baptist Parish remain at 1 to 3 feet on Lake Pontchartrain, and 1 to 3 inches of rainfall are expected. Wind speeds of 20-30 mph remain a threat to the are a.
The height of rainfall from Tropical Storm Karen should arrive between tonight and early Sunday morning. Although the storm is dissipating, residents should continue to prepare for downed trees and tree limbs and possible power outages. With water levels on Lake Pontchartrain above normal, water is covering U.S. Highway 51 at Ruddock and street flooding could occur with heavy rainfall within a short period of time. The St. John Public Works Department has placed generators at critical pump stations in preparation for power outages. The Utilities Department has also made interim protection measures for water and wastewater systems.
The St. John the Baptist Parish Emergency Operations is partially activated and accepting phone calls at 985-652-2222 until 5 p.m. today. Residents who need assistance overnight should dial 9-1-1.
A voluntary evacuation remains in effect for areas North of Interstate 10 to Manchac. As a precaution, residents in low-lying areas are encouraged to move vehicles to higher ground.
Residents are also asked to assist in removing loose debris and trash in catch basins to assist in preventing blockage in parish drainage systems.
Road/Highway Closures
• No roads closed
• High water on U.S. 51 at Ruddock, road passable
For more information about state highways closures, visit www.511la.org or dial 5-1-1.
Power Outages
• No outages reported
• Report outages at 1-800-9OUTAGE or http://viewoutage.enterg.com/la.aspx.
Garbage Service
Vegetative debris can be delivered to the incinerator located on Airport Road in Reserve today until 4 p.m.
Sandbags
Sandbag locations will remain open as weather conditions permit.
• Belle Terre Land (front of Foxwood Subdivision) – LaPlace
• St. John Community Center – LaPlace
• 425 Captain Bourgeois (pre-filled sandbags for elderly and disabled only)
• Fire Station No. 94 – Pleasure Bend
• Fire Station No. 62 on Railroad Avenue – Reserve
• Airport Road – Reserve
• Fire Station No. 71 on Historic West Street – Garyville
• Old Second Ward High School – Edgard