The St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center has called a mandatory evacuation for both East and West Bank residents as of 6 p.m. Aug. 26 due to the threat of dangerous storm surge and winds from Tropical Storm Isaac. (For a list of recommended evacuation routes, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane.)
Residents are asked to leave as soon as possible before the onset of deteriorating weather conditions beginning early Tuesday morning. Through the duration of the storm the parish expects to experience widespread power outages for an extended duration as well as a loss of emergency and parish services. This also includes the potential loss of all sewer and water services.
The EOC is fully active and taking actions in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is currently forecast to make landfall as a strong category 2 hurricane near the Louisiana / Mississippi state line on late Tuesday.
The parish expects to see the potential of 105 mph winds with higher gusts and extremely hazardous surges. The parish is currently under a hurricane warning. Pump stations will be monitored 24/7 throughout the storm, with the majority of pump stations having the ability to be monitored and controlled remotely.
St. Charles is urging residents to use social networks, family and neighbors to secure transportation out of the parish. However, those needing to make use of the parish's assisted evacuation program should call EOC IMMEDIATELY at (985) 783-5050. Bus pickups will take place Monday between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Evacuees are limited to two bags - one carry-on size and one personal item. Those bringing pets should provide a labeled carrier, vaccination documentation and any pet medications.
Special needs assistance may be requested by calling (985) 783-5050.
In addition, schools in St. Charles Parish have been canceled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Garbage service will run as usual on Monday but will cease on Tuesday indefinitely. Parish offices will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050, 24 hours a day. Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages. Re-entry details will be forthcoming.
Please stay tuned to local media for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.