NEWS RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA
June 2, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH MONITORING TROPICAL STORM CRISTOBAL, URGING RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR WEATHER
JEFFERSON, LA – Jefferson Parish is monitoring Tropical Storm Cristobal, moving southwest at 3 mph over the Bay of Campeche. Cristobal became a tropical storm after achieving wind speeds of 40 mph. This is the third named tropical storm for the 2020 Hurricane season.
Though it is still too soon to identify the location or timing of any potential impacts along the U.S. Gulf Coast, it is still recommended to make preparations for heavy rainfall and potential street flooding beginning this weekend and into next week. Increased rain chances resulting from typical daytime atmospheric heating are expected in southeastern Louisiana beginning today, with the chance of rain increasing over the weekend as the tropical storm moves closer to the Louisiana or Texas coasts.
Residents are encouraged to clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts and in front of catch basins to help rain get to the drain. It is also encouraged that all residents place their garbage and recycling bins curbside on their scheduled collection days this week in anticipation of heavy rain over the weekend. If heavy rain occurs, residents should remove all bins from the curb and secure them on their property to avoid debris clogging storm drains and the loss of bins if street flooding occurs.
In light of the potential for a tropical storm this weekend, the Department of Drainage will be taking the following measures:
- Dedicating efforts to cleaning catch basins and drain lines
- Ensuring all fuel tanks at pump stations are topped off and all vehicles are topped off with fuel
- Filling stockpiles of rock and sand at maintenance yards
- Exercising all generators at buildings and pump stations and exercising pumps, motors and air compressors
- Completed servicing all portable pumps and generators
- Positioning portable pumps in Lafitte and Lower Barataria
- Confirming all standby lists and all essential personnel lists
- Ensuring all construction sites are made secure and free of loose materials and ensuring all construction projects are free of dams or other obstructions in drain lines, ditches and canals
- All pump stations will be manned as necessary through the storm and all pumps are available with the exception of one pump at the Ames Pump Station. One 300 CFS pump is out due to repair and we are expediting the repair to have the pump back in service as soon as possible.
It is important to be emergency prepared; gather supplies, review emergency plans and stay informed. In the preparation of an emergency, remember to also have all essentials to protect yourself and family members from COVID-19.
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). Citizens can text JPALERT to 888-777 for regular updates in English or JPNOTICIAS for regular updates in spanish.
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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 Office: 504-736-6410 |
