LULING — The Edward A. Dufresne Community at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling will be open to the public as a shelter beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, St. Charles Parish officials said.

The St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center is now activated.

Residents are advised to bring bedding, pillows, medications, towels, baby supplies and any toiletries. Please limit to one bag per person.

In St. James Parish, St. James Parish officials are urging residents to complete preparations in advance of Hurricane Nate making landfall.

A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch are in effect for St. James Parish until further notice. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm wind conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

The National Weather Service expects three to five inches of rain as well as the potential for tropical storm force winds gusting to hurricane strength within the area from Saturday through Sunday.

Residents are asked to remove any debris from catch basins and storm drains and secure loose items near homes and businesses. Also, please avoid placing debris in ditches, drainage canals, and on the side of the road that may impede drainage.

If necessary, sand and bags are available for sandbagging at the following locations: Grand Point Fire Station
in Paulina, North Airline Fire Station in Gramercy, River Road Fire Station in Gramercy, Floyd Marshall Building in Lutcher, South Vacherie Fire and Rescue Training Center, and North Vacherie Welcome Fire Station.