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LAPLACE – With the approach of Tropical Storm Sally, several agencies have made announcements regarding evacuation and closures.

Early on Sunday, Governor John Bel Edwards announced the close of all state agency offices in St. John the Baptist Parish, as well as St. James and St. Charles.

On a local level, St. John Parish declared a state of emergency ahead of Sally. Parish President Jaclyn Hotard signed the Emergency Declaration in advance of the storm to allow officials to take precautionary measures and ensure the safety of St. John Parish Residents.

All government buildings and the St. John Parish Courthouse will be closed Monday, September 14, 2020, and Tuesday, September 15, 2020, in advance of Tropical Storm Sally. Traffic Court is also canceled.

Also mid-day Sunday, President Hotard issued a mandatory evacuation for Pleasure Bend and low-lying areas North of I-10 in LaPlace, including Frenier, Peavine and Manchac. She also issued a Voluntary Evacuation for St. John Parish. That order went into effect at noon. Parish President Jaclyn Hotard ordered a Mandatory Evacuation for areas north of Airline Highway in advance of Tropical Storm Sally. The evacuation order is effective Monday, September 14, 2020, at 6 a.m.

All government buildings, the Parish Courthouse, traffic court, public and private schools are closed Monday and Tuesday. Garbage service is scheduled to run as normal Monday. ALL St. John Parks & Recreation activities (including Drum Line, Line Dancing and Yoga) through Wednesday are cancelled.

St. John is under Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings and a Flash Flood Watch. Residents are asked to bring vehicles, boats or campers to higher ground as Tropical Storm Sally, expected to strengthen into a Hurricane, could bring heavy rainfall and storm surge. Residents should finalize all hurricane preparations today as conditions could start to deteriorate tomorrow afternoon.

Public Works crews are out checking pump stations and drainage outlets in anticipation of tropical weather. The Utilities Department is also monitoring all lift stations and generators for the water and wastewater systems.

Due to the expected inclement weather from Tropical Storm Sally, not only is the public schools be closed on Monday and Tueday, but the meeting to be held between the School Board and local church leaders, will be postponed until the following Tuesday.  The School Board asks that you please monitor the district website at www.stjohn.k12.la.us, or their social media and text messages for further updates. In addition to public schools, all private schools in St. John will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

Residents should finalize all preparations and stay informed by visiting ‪sjbparish.com or follow the Parish on the Government Access Channel, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. You can also text SJPWEATHER to 888-777 for the latest on Sally.