Parish President Matthew Jewell and the St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are closely monitoring the heavy rain and Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 in the Gulf of America.

The National Weather Service predicts 4 to 6 inches of rain between Tuesday and Friday, with the potential for up to 10 inches in some areas. Flash flooding is likely to occur. A Flood Watch is in effect until 7:00 a.m. Friday.

Self-service sandbag locations will open for St. Charles Parish residents only at the West Bank Bridge Park (13825 River Rd., Luling) and the East Bank Bridge Park (13244 River Rd., Destrehan) beginning the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16. Residents should use these sandbags only if needed and bring their own shovels and proof of residency. Please check on elderly and homebound neighbors to ensure they are prepared and offer to bring sandbags to those who cannot get to the stations. Sandbag deliveries are reserved for those with physical or mobility limitations that prevent them from traveling to a distribution site. Please call the St. Charles Parish EOC at 985-783-5050 to request sandbags.

The Department of Public Works is preparing for this system by checking pump stations and generators, clearing storm drains, and ensuring all drainage structures are fully operational. Residents should take a moment to walk their property and check all ditches, swales, canals, and culverts for obstructions, then clear them to ensure water can drain properly.

Garbage service is currently scheduled to run regular collection routes, and residents should put their trash out to the curb for collection. Residents should not pile debris at the curb that could become a projectile or float into drainage canals.

As the system approaches, residents should continue monitoring the weather and following guidance from local officials. To customize alerts, sign up at www.scpemergencyalerts.com or text SCPALERTS to 88877 to receive all alerts.