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EDGARD — Beginning at 6:30 p.m., St. John Parish will open temporary shelters for residents at:

– West St. John High School Gymnasium – 480 LA 3127, Edgard

– Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School Gymnasium- 3328 Highway 51, LaPlace

Residents needing a safe shelter to stay for the duration of the severe weather should seek shelter at one of the above locations.

MRES, water, and cots will be provided. Residents should bring blankets, snacks and any other necessities. Additionally, no weapons or other contraband will be allowed in the shelters.

The National Weather Service has placed St. John Parish under an Enhanced Risk of Severe Weather overnight. Damaging winds between 30-40 mph with gusts greater than 50 mph are expected. Large hail, tornadoes and rain of 1-3 inches with locally higher amounts are possible.

The shelter will close once the severe weather threat has passed.

All St. John Parish Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled due to the weather.