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Shelters opening in Louisiana parishes amid severe weather event

A community center in Luling, Louisiana in St. Charles Parish.
Courtesy of St. Charles Parish government
A community center in Luling, Louisiana in St. Charles Parish.

In response to the severe weather threat Tuesday, Louisiana officials are opening shelters across the southeast for residents who live in homes that cannot withstand possible tornadoes, hail or other possible weather threats.

Officials in parishes where the storm’s impact is predicted to be significant, mainly in the Baton Rouge area, or parishes with temporary FEMA housing from Hurricane Ida began opening shelters Tuesday morning ahead of the storm’s mid-afternoon arrival.

Here is the list of parishes with shelter openings. To read the weather forecast, click here.

Terrebonne Parish

Houma, LA – Houma Municipal Auditorium is open as a temporary severe weather shelter for people residing in a FEMA or state travel trailer or modular home unit. The shelter is located at 880 Verret Street and will be open until there is no longer a severe weather threat.

No food or bedding will be provided, and residents are encouraged to bring their own supplies needed. Pets are allowed.

The parish is encouraging residents in FEMA, state temporary housing or damaged homes to seek safe shelter in a relative's or friend’s home if possible.

Tangipahoa Parish

Hammond, LA – Two churches — the Mission Church at 41347 W. I-55 Service Road, and the Greater Temple Chapel Baptist Church located at 912 Avenue G in Kentwood — are open at 1 p.m. Residents can shelter in place at either location until the weather passes. No food will be served.

Residents will be asked to return to their home once the storm system passes so the churches can close.

St. Charles Parish

Luling, LA - The Edward A. Dufresne Community Center will open as a “refuge of last resort.” No supplies will be provided at the site. The shelter will open at 2 p.m. at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway.

The parish government recommends that residents who live in “substandard” housing, mobile homes and trailers move to a sturdier house or to the community center while the risk of tornadoes is high.

St. John the Baptist Parish

Laplace, LA - The gymnasium of Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, located at 3328 US-51, will open for those seeking shelter at 3:00 p.m. and remain active “until severe weather is no longer a threat” to the parish. Residents are advised to bring their own food, water and other essentials.

Edgard, LA - The gymnasium of West St. John High School, located at 480 LA-3127, will open for those seeking shelter at 3:00 p.m. and remain active “until severe weather is no longer a threat” to the parish. Residents are advised to bring their own food, water and other essentials.

St. John Parish residents living in travel trailers, modular homes or damaged homes are encouraged to seek shelter at one of these sites or to shelter in a sturdier home with a friend or relative.

Jefferson Parish

Terrytown, LA – The Terrytown Playground, located at 641 Heritage Ave., will open as a shelter at 3 p.m. and will remain open for residents in need of sturdy shelter until severe weather passes. Residents are asked to bring their own supplies. No cots or food will be provided. The playground is not an overnight shelter.

St. James Parish

Convent, LA - St. James Parish is opening a shelter from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Convent Community Shelter, located at 5775 Hwy 44.

Kezia Setyawan is a coastal reporter for WWNO and WRKF and is based out of Houma.
Aubry is a reporter, producer and operations assistant in Baton Rouge.
Katelyn Umholtz is the digital editor for WWNO and WRKF and is based out of New Orleans.

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