Montz area most vulnerable to flooding, parish says

St. Charles Parish is experiencing wind gusts of over 45 mph as the outer bands of now-Hurricane Isaac train over the area.

Officials are urging residents to HUNKER DOWN AT HOME over the next 24 to 36 hours as the parish could experience winds of up to 80 mph sustained with higher gusts and rainfall amounts of up to 20 inches depending on the storm’s eventual track, speed and timing of squall lines. Vehicular travel on the roadways should remain dangerous until at least Thursday morning.

The parish expects to experience widespread and sustained power outages, as well as downed trees and power lines. There will be a threat of flooding from storm surge as well as rainfall, with the Montz are being most vulnerable. All parish pump stations are operational, however, the combination of high tidal levels and heavy rainfall can cause flooding conditions very quickly.

Please note that emergency medical, fire and police services will have very limited abilities to respond to calls for service once wind speeds reach 45 mph due to safety concerns for first responders. Residents should also be prepared for the possible interruption of water and sewerage services.

Please secure any garbage cans, roadside debris or construction debris as they can and will become projectiles in high winds. Please remind your neighbors.