LAPLACE — The St. John Parish Emergency Operations Center is monitoring an area of low pressure located near the Yucatan Peninsula.

Forecast tracks call for the storm to hit Louisiana sometime Wednesday afternoon. Residents should be weather-ready and prepare now for possible heavy rainfall and winds to impact the area beginning tomorrow .

At this time, forecasts call for heavy rainfall of three to six inches with possible higher amounts of 10 to 15 inches in localized areas depending on how close the system drifts inland.

Tides are expected to increase during this time.

The Departments of Public Works and Utilities are preparing for potential rain impacts from this system. Personnel are refueling pumping stations, pumping down canals and clearing and removing debris from drainage systems.

Residents can assist by clearing drains and ditches around their homes and businesses to ensure proper flow. Residents should also have an emergency supply kit stocked with nonperishable food, water and flashlights for the possibility of power outages.

Residents are asked to call 911 to report flooded areas and other weather emergencies. Driving down flooded roadways at high speeds is prohibited and could send flood waters into homes.

Stay tuned to the Government Access Channel (15/99), www.sjbparish.com and WWL 870 AM radio for further announcements.

Public Safety and Administrative staff remain in contact with NWS and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for the latest forecasts and updates.

For more information about storm readiness, visit getagameplan.org.