UPDATE: The Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office will also be closed on Wednesday, August 30, but they will still be answering phone calls.
Sheriff Craig Webre reported the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing to monitor roadway conditions and other public safety concerns as Tropical Storm Harvey approaches the coast. Outer rain bands have dumped considerable amounts of rainfall in Lafourche Parish over the last several days, and additional rain is expected. This has led to street flooding in many areas of the parish. A few homes throughout the parish have also taken on some water.
“Our staff is dedicated to ensuring public safety,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “We will continue working with parish emergency officials to monitor roadway conditions and close off roadways when necessary.”
While some temporary road closures have been necessary, there are currently no road closures of primary highways in Lafourche Parish, other than the closure of the Bayou Blue Pontoon Bridge on LA Highway 316. DOTD announced Tuesday morning that bridge would be closed until further notice. There are also currently no plans to close any major highways. Officials will continue to monitor roadway conditions and will make any future closures only as necessary.
Deputies were posted in various locations throughout the day Tuesday as areas become impassable due to high water. Many of those roadways were re-opened once waters receded later in the day. Barricades may also be placed where needed, and residents are reminded to never drive around a barricade. Residents are also reminded not to otherwise drive down flooded streets, if at all possible. If an emergency arises that makes it necessary to drive down a flooded street, please drive very slowly to avoid possibly pushing water into homes.
All public and private schools in Lafourche Parish are closed on Wednesday, as well as Nicholls State University. The 17th Judicial District Courts, the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and Lafourche Parish Government administrative offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday as well. The LPSO Shooting Range will be closed on Wednesday, and the Hunter Education Field Day scheduled for Wednesday is also canceled.
Lafourche Parish Government is continuing to make sandbags available to the public at field offices are various satellite locations throughout the parish. Sheriff Webre has assigned trusties to assist in filling sandbags.
Please contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office with any weather-related issues at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
For the most up-to-date information, including a list of all sandbag locations, go to www.LPSO.net/Harvey, and check back often for updates. You can also monitor social media for updates by following @LafourcheSO on Facebook and Twitter.