Jefferson Parish leaders prepare for severe weather

Raeven Poole
·2 min read
1

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — Jefferson Parish leaders are preparing for the incoming inclement weather on Monday, Jan. 8.

Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng held a news conference at 10 a.m. on Monday ahead of the weather event to ensure the public was aware of what was ahead.

School officials have announced students will be dismissed early due to the rain event.

Several Greater New Orleans schools dismissing early ahead of possible severe weather

“We are expecting winds to get high. It could go as high as wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour,” Sheng said. “If you are in a trailer, that is not the proper shelter to be in with these high wind gusts.”

Terrytown Playground will be open for those living in mobile homes to seek shelter, starting at 12 p.m., in the event of a tornado, a weather event that is becoming more common for the region.

“We are having those risks with this weather event,” Sheng said. “You need to mentally prepare yourself. You have seconds to respond. You need to know where you’re going to go.”

Those seeking shelter at Terrytown Playground are advised to bring their own food and water.

Some who live in Metairie say they’re preparing as best they can.

One way to prepare is to make sure any loose items, including recyclables, are taken inside.

“I’m a bit concerned. A lot of rain certainly causes disruption,” said Lindsey Vindel, who lives in Metairie. “My street floods a bit sometimes, but having lived through Katrina and others, it’s hard to get very upset or concerned about something after seeing that.”

The parish has been recognized by The National Weather Service as a Storm Ready Community, indicating that leaders have done everything to prepare citizens in the event of a natural disaster.

“The Parish had to demonstrate a level of compliance and preparedness for monitoring current weather conditions and issuing the appropriate warnings to the public. This is something we take very seriously, and it couldn’t be done without the help of everyone involved,” said Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Director Joe Valient.

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