NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

March 22, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Terrytown Playground Opens at 3 p.m. as a Sturdy Building for those in Mobile Homes to Ride out Storm

JEFFERSON, LA - According to the National Weather Service, Jefferson Parish is under an “Enhanced Risk” of severe weather this afternoon and evening. The Jefferson Parish Emergency Management team continue to monitor the weather and ask that all residents remain vigilant and stay weather aware. The weather pattern is expected to bring heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts greater than 60 mph, large hail and possible tornados to the Jefferson Parish area as early as 3:30 p.m. Jefferson Parish is currently under a wind advisory until 9 p.m. and a Tornado Watch until 7 p.m. Due to the pending inclement weather, all Jefferson Parish parks and playgrounds will close today at 2 p.m.

The National Weather Service advises that it is not safe to be in a mobile home 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 3 p.m. today 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.

All should prepare homes and neighborhoods for wind and rain by securing outdoor furniture, décor and garbage cans. To help reduce the chance of street flooding, residents should clear debris from their streets and drains around their property; such debris impedes water flow into the drainage system.

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 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.

Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (TV, radio, etc.) and make sure to charge mobile devices and keep them nearby throughout this evening. To receive weather and emergency bulletins 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).

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

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO