Weather Update: Tropical Storm Debby
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Following the last update from the National Weather Service, Tropical Strom Debby is slowly moving North over the Centr
al Gulf of Mexico with an uncertain forecast track. Persistent strong east to southeast winds will result in elevated water levels along the immediate coast and shores of the lakes affecting low-lying areas in St. John the Baptist Parish.
Water levels are currently elevated and will continue to increase through Wednesday morning with the highest levels during high tide. St. John Parish remains under a Coastal Flood Warning; however, as the storm moves advisories may change. “This system is uncertain and many changes could occur,” said EOC Director Jobe Boucvalt. “We are asking residents to please stay tuned to the weather stations and local forecast,” he added.
Beginning Monday, bands of showers and thunderstorms could make some impact to the area with rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches through Wednesday. Currently, wind impacts are expected to be minimal; however, as Tropical Storm Debby moves west, winds of 60 mph are possible. According to the NWS, “we are still on the dry side of the system.”
The St. John Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) remains in contact with the NWS and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). As of Sunday morning, water levels at Ruddock, Peavine, and US 51 between Peavine and Ruddock are rising; however, roads are still open. Public Works and Utilities crews are monitoring drainage, water, and wastewater systems.
It is important to continue to keep outdoor areas clear of loose debris. Assistance in keeping catch basins clean will prepare our drainage systems for possible flooding in low-lying areas. Updated notifications will be continue to be released as changes in the forecast occur.
Please stay tuned to local weather stations, Channel 15, and sjbparish.com for weather updates in the forecast. As changes in the forecast occur, updates will be made to the parish website at sjbparish.com, Facebook, and twitter. Please also sign up to receive emergency notifications to your home phone, cell phone, email or SMS text messaging device. Residents may sign up for the service by visiting the homepage of the Parish’s website at www.sjbparish.com and clicking on the FirstCall-Interactive Network link.
Normal office hours will resume Monday morning. For any questions or concerns, please call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-652-2222.
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