JEFFERSON PARISH PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER

All Jefferson Parish libraries, Head Start & Early Head Start Centers, JPRD Parks and Playgrounds will suspend programs and services today at 11:30 a.m.

Terrytown Playground opens at 12 p.m. as sturdy shelter for those in mobile homes to ride out storm

JEFFERSON, LA – Due to the anticipated inclement weather, all Jefferson Parish libraries, Head Start and Early Head Start Centers, JPRD parks and playgrounds will close at 11:30 a.m. today, January 8, 2024. All JPRD programming will be suspended today starting at 11:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service advises that it is not safe to be in a mobile home during severe weather and all Jefferson Parish residents in trailers should seek an alternative shelter in a sturdy building with family or friends if possible. The Terrytown Playground (641 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, LA 70056) will open at 12 p.m. today, Monday, January 8, 2024, and will remain open for residents in mobile homes in need of sturdy shelter until the National Weather Service gives the all-clear that the storm has passed and it is safe to leave. Please be advised that residents should bring their own food/water as the playground will only provide sturdy shelter during the storm; there will be no any other amenities available at this location.

Residents are asked to secure loose objects outside as these often become dangerous flying debris in high winds. As a reminder, curbside recycling is temporarily suspended. At this time, recycling bins should not be placed on curbs. Residents are also reminded to stay indoors and away from windows during severe weather events. In the event of a tornado, shelter in an interior room on the ground floor. During heavy rain, drivers should use caution around areas prone to significant street flooding, like streets under bridges and overpasses. Parish Ordinance Section 36-188 prohibits motorists from traveling on flooded streets, which may increase the possibility of structural flooding due to wake action caused by moving vehicles.

Jefferson Parish Transit is monitoring the forecast and local radar. Bus and Paratransit services will continue to operate on a normal schedule until the last vehicle pulls in at 10:30 pm. Should winds reach a sustained 35 mph or greater, Transit Services and Paratransit services will immediately stop providing service across the Crescent City Connection (CCC), bridges and overpasses until sustained winds are below 35 mph. For more up-to-the-hour Transit updates, please visit us at www.jptransit.org.

The Jefferson Parish Emergency Management team continues to monitor the weather and asks that all residents remain vigilant and stay weather aware. Main threats are strong damaging winds and possible tornadoes. Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (TV, radio, etc.) and make sure to charge mobile devices and keep them nearby. To receive weather and emergency alerts from Jefferson Parish, text “JPALERT” or “JPNOTICIAS” to 888-777. Hour-by-hour forecasts for specific locations can be accessed at www.weather.gov/neworleans by using the point and click map in the middle of the page.

Residents in need of assistance can contact the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center at (504) 349-5360 or the Jefferson Parish Medical Needs Registry at (504) 323-1818.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on social media (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office

1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002

Jefferson, LA 70123

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO