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Convent, LA – St. James Parish officials announced Friday backwater flooding due to rising levels in Lake Maurepas and Blind River is expected to reach levels of nearly 4.3 feet on the Parish’s East Bank.

A State of Emergency has been declared in advance of rising water levels which are expected to crest on Wednesday, May 26.

Sandbags have been made available to residents at Paulina Park, Admirals Landing, Ricky Lane, the Gramercy Water Plant, the Lutcher Water Plant and South Vacherie Training Center.

Residents are advised to refer to the parish’s flood inundation map which is available on the parish website home page. By accessing this map, residents can determine their home’s flood elevation level.

President Dufresne noted, “We ask residents not to panic, but to take precautions based on your flood elevation. As we continue to see standing water on many parish roadways, please use extreme caution and drive slowly”.

Additional updates will be provided to residents on Parish social media accounts and the Parish website.