LAPLACE — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Southeastern Louisiana including St. John the Baptist Parish until 7 p.m. Saturday as a severe low pressure system moves across the state.

Other threats associated with the system include strong winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are predicted for the area with locally higher amounts possible. Heavy organized rainfall in short periods of time can result in street flooding in low-lying areas.

Residents are encouraged to use caution when operating vehicles in heavy rainfall and never attempt to drive down streets with ponding water.

Emergency Operations staff are monitoring weather conditions closely and have alerted Public Works and Utilities crews to be on standby in the event issues arise with drainage and utility systems. In addition, crews will be out checking the Parish throughout the day.

Residents can stay tuned to local weather forecasts and be prepared in the event a Flash Flood Warning is issue. All concerns, issues and weather related emergencies should be reported to 911 immediately.

Sign up to receive emergency notifications to a home phone, cell phone, email or SMS text messaging device by visiting sjbparish.com and clicking “Stay Connected.”