PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. — Leaders in Plaquemines Parish want everyone to stay safe and are asking everyone to prepare as Hurricane Francine makes its way to the area.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, parish officials said the storm is expected to make landfall near Morgan City as a Category 1, possibly a Category 2 hurricane. The tropical storm winds are expected to impact Plaquemines Parish about 4 to 6 p.m.
As of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, officials said the storm was about 200 miles southwest of New Orleans, traveling northwest at 13 miles per hour. Winds were reaching 90 mph.
The storm surge in the West Bank is expected to be about 4 to 7 feet, and 2 to 4 or 3 to 5 feet on the East Bank. More than 4 inches of rain is expected to fall throughout the parish.
Evacuations
A mandatory evacuation order is in place for the following areas, as well as anyone in FEMA or State trailers throughout the parish:
- Lake Hermitage
- Happy Jack
- Myrtle Grove
- Tidewater Road in Venice
- White Ditch to Pheonix
- Wood Park
- Grand Bayou
A voluntary evacuation is in effect for all of the East Bank and Venice North to Alliance.
Shelter
There is a temporary shelter at the multipurpose center. It’s shelter and water only, and residents need to bring essentials and any medications needed.
Anyone who needs rides to the shelter can call 504-297-5600. That’s the non-emergency number for dispatchers and they can help with rides to shelters or any other information for the parish. Residents can also reach out to Community Action at 504-934-6940.
Small pets are welcome, but only if the resident is coming to use the shelter. Animal control will transport pets should residents need transportation to a shelter.
Sandbags
Sandbags are available at the following locations. It is self-serve and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
- Buras YMCA
- Port Sulfur YMCA
- Old Boothville YMCA next to Leroy Harvey Park
- Braithwaite Park
- Davant Community Center
- Bell Chasse complex
Port operations
Officials said ferry tolls are suspended for now, and they ask people to follow Plaquemines port for updates on the operation schedule.
Trash pickup
There will be no trash pickup on Wednesday or Thursday. It will resume Friday, weather permitting.
Medical facilities
Port Sulfur Medical Facility is currently operating 24/7. PMC, Plaquemines Medical Center, Bell Chasse, are at the shelter.
First responders
The Fire Superintendent said the department has ramped up manpower. Debris cleanup and damage assessments will be done once the storm passes. Keep in mind, for safety reasons, first responders may not respond when winds reach 30-40 mph.
The sheriff said officers are patrolling and checking water levels. There is no curfew for now. They will meet and discuss if a curfew will be implemented after the storm passes and once they determine the damage.
The sheriff also said the Captain Larry’s floodgate would not close and remains open.
Emergency notifications
Officials ask that residents register for emergency notifications if they haven’t already. If they have, they need to make sure their information is current. Learn more HERE.