A flash flood watch is in effect through Thursday in St. John the Baptist Parish and other portions of Southeast Louisiana.

Very heavy rainfall is expected in many areas due to rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning today.

Heavy rainfall amounts of two to four inches in a two- to three-hour period will be possible where repeat thunderstorms occur. Persistent heavy rainfall may cause flooding of streets, canals and areas that are inundated with drainage water from the lake.

Pumps will operate at full capacity; however, during flash flooding, drainage could take some time to pump out of streets.

Be prepared to take quick action if a warning is issued. If an emergency occurs as a result of this rain event, contact the 911 communications department by dialing 9-1-1.

Please stay tuned to local weather stations, SJTV, and sjbparish.com for weather updates in the forecast.

As changes in the forecast occur, updates will be made to the parish website at sjbparish.com, Facebook and twitter.

Please also sign up to receive emergency notifications to your home phone, cell phone, email or SMS text messaging device.

Residents may sign up for the service by visiting the homepage of the Parish’s website at www.sjbparish.com and clicking Stay Connected.