Krewe Du Monde parade start moved up to 10 a.m. Sunday due to potential severe weather
Published 2:01 pm Friday, March 1, 2019
- Bubby Guidry, Lauren Lovelace and Ali Vicknair ride a float in Krewe Du Monde, which rolls again this year in LaPlace, starting at 10 a.m. March 3. For the first time this year, Krewe Du Monde will be followed by a second parade.
LAPLACE — Due to the forecast of potential severe weather, the start of the Krewe Du Monde Parade has been moved up an hour to start at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The decision was made by St. John Parish officials in conjunction with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and parade organizers.
Severe thunderstorms are predicted to develop across the area Sunday morning through the evening as a result of a cold front moving across the region.
Strong damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornados, lightning and localized flooding will be the main threats during the weather event.
Residents should use caution when going outside and when on roads.
The Towahpahsah and Krewe Du Monde Parades will follow their traditional routes in Reserve and LaPlace.
Krewe of Dagé contributors preparing for the March 3 parade include, top row, from left, Carla Prout, Brannetter James, Michelle Watkins, bottom row, Ken Adams, Joyce Weber, Crystal Pope, Latricia Holmes, Diamoina Pittman, Ebonee Adams, Ceola George, Alona McDowell and Jean Stewart. Not pictured are Edna Robertson, Genean Zeno, Amy Smith, Constance Schexnayder, Rolanda Tuicuit, Danish Cook, Susan Bridges and Teneshia Taylor.
LaPlace’s new parade — Krewe of Dagé — will immediately follow the Krewe Du Monde Parade on Sunday.
Public bathrooms were placed on parish servitudes throughout the parade routes as well as trash cans so that all parade goers can dispose of trash and food once parades are over.
Due to the rising levels of the Mississippi River and the declared emergency by Governor Edwards, Towahpahsah parade goers should be advised that the parking of any vehicle or trailer on the levee has been prohibited by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Pedestrians will however be allowed to gather on and watch the parade from the levee side.
For the DuMonde and Dage’ parades, between 9 and 10 a.m., north and southbound lanes of U.S. 51 may be shut down for floats to line up. This closure may be necessary due to the large number of floats, 46 total, that need to line up in an organized manner for the parade to start promptly.
Officers will be at U.S. 51 and U.S. 61 to help with the flow of traffic that will be diverted to old 51 to avoid gridlock at old 51 and Main Street.
Northbound lanes on Belle Terre Blvd at Fairway Blvd. are expected to close at approximately 9:30 am on Sunday until the parade ends.
Officials are monitoring the weather this weekend and any changes will be sent out and posted immediately.
Residents should also monitor weather stations for updates and remain safe along the parade routes. Emergency responders have developed a plan for response during parade times.
— Submitted by St. John Communications
