NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

December 14, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER

All Jefferson Parish Libraries, Head Start & Early Head Start Centers, JPRD Parks and Playgrounds will Suspend Programs & Services Today at 12 P.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 12 p.m. today, December 14, 2022. All JPRD programming will be suspended today starting at 12 p.m., including the Christmas in the Park lights at Lafreniere Park.

Jefferson Parish Transit services will continue to operate on a normal schedule as weather permits. Should winds reach a sustained 35 mph or greater, there will be no Transit and Paratransit services across the Crescent City Connection (CCC), bridges and overpasses until sustained winds are below 35 mph. To stay updated on Jefferson Parish Transit, please visit www.jptransit.org. 

All trash drop-off sits will close at 2:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, December 14, 2022, and will reopen for business tomorrow, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 9:00 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, located at 641 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, LA 70056, will open at 12 p.m. today, Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 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. The Terrytown Playground is not an overnight shelter; however, it is a hurricane-grade structure that will provide a safe haven for those in trailers during this weather event. 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 cots or any other amenities available at this location.

Residents are 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.

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.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov).

###

Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123

JPALERT – SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS

Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO