St. John the Baptist Parish has declared a state of emergency as a precaution since the parish was added to Flood Warning, which lasts until 3 p.m.

Areas of concerns include far north of Airline in Reserve, far Northern LaPlace, areas along Interstate 10 and far northern Garyville.

The Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated.

Call 911 to report flooding, drainage or utilities concerns.

The Parish is actively monitoring water and lake levels throughout the region.

At this time, there remains a potential for increased water levels in canals, ditches and drainage outlets in low-lying areas of Garyville and Mt. Airy and Reserve north of Airline Highway due to backwater flooding from Blind River and Maurepas Swamp.

Officials are monitoring water on the Highway 51 low road and areas near the Interstate.

Sandbags are available at various locations. Bags are on site, but please remember to bring a shovel and do not take additional empty bags:

• 425 Captain G. Bourgeois St., LaPlace (closes at 8 pm)

• Reserve Fire Station

• Garyville Fire Station

• Wallace Fire Station

8 Pleasure Bend Fire Station

All roads are open in St. John Parish.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop from mid-morning through the early evening hours. A few of these thunderstorms could turn strong, producing locally heavy downpours, frequent lightning and wind gusts over 40 mph.

The National Weather Service reports Thursday through Tuesday residents should expect scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible.

A few storms could become strong, producing frequent lightning, gusty winds and brief heavy downpours.