Wednesday, March 4, 2020 — The National Weather Service (NWS) Slidell has included East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) in the Slight Risk of Severe Weather forecast for later today. The main threat is predicted to be heavy rainfall; however, hail, tornadoes, and high wind gusts of up to 60 mph are also possible. Forecasters expect 1-2 inches of rainfall, with the potential for local higher amounts for our area. EBRP continues to be under a Flash Flood Watch until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) are closely monitoring the latest weather forecasts. Mayor Broome along with MOHSEP, EBRP first responders, and local partners are committed to the safety of our citizens. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome advises residents “to maintain a situational awareness during this severe weather. Our community is forecasted to experience possible heavy rainfall during the afternoon commute; please do not drive through flooded waters. Continue to monitor Red Stick Ready on social media, local weather television and radio stations, and weather radios for updates on the current weather conditions.”

As a precaution, public safety personnel have pre-deployed barricades into intersections and areas that have the potential to retain water in sustained rains.
Additionally, while flooding is not anticipated, in an effort to be proactive for citizens, sand and sandbags* remain available at the following sites:

• BREC Alsen Park – 601 Old Rafe Meyer Road
• BREC Cadillac Street – 6117 Cadillac Street
• BREC Doyles Bayou Park – 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road
• BREC Hartley-Vey at Gardere Park – 1702 Gardere Lane
• BREC Memorial Stadium – 1702 Foss Street
*Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags.

The Mayor-President’s Office, in coordination with the MOHSEP, local first responders, public works personnel and critical stakeholders will continue to monitor local conditions and coordinate with the NWS, EBR Parish Municipalities, and local and state officials.

For further information, follow Red Stick Ready on Facebook and Twitter @RedStickReady and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application — free on Apple and Android devices by searching Red Stick Ready.