LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish has experienced six inches of rainfall within the past 24 hours, parish leaders said Sunday night.

With higher than normal water levels in Lake Pontchartrain and heavy rainfall, drainage is impeded and street flooding is occurring parishwide. Highway 51 from I-55 to the parish line and Rosenwald Street is closed to through traffic due to high water.

The National Weather Service is predicting an additional three to four inches of rainfall into Monday. A tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Monday.

Should a tornado warning be issued, seek shelter immediately. Residents should seek shelter on the lowest floor of the residence and in an interior hallway or room such as a closet.

Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows. In addition, flash flood watch is in effect for ALL of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi through 1 p.m. Monday.

All schools with the exception of Riverside are open. Please report any emergencies, street flooding, or other weather related concerns by dialing 911. Residents are encouraged to stay off streets due to flooding.