FOX 8 News has learned that announced that all public schools in Lafourche Parish will be closed Monday through Wednesday.
Also, we received the following news advisory from Lafourche Parish authorities Sunday evening:
(Mathews, La.) -- Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph declared a State of Emergency and placed Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Department of Public Works on full activation as Tropical Storm Isaac heads into the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Isaac has 60 mph winds according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC.) A hurricane watch has been issued from Morgan City eastward to Indian Pass, Fl. The latest NHC track shows that Southeast Louisiana is in the cone of error.
Randolph said the Emergency Operations Center in the Mathews Complex is monitoring the storm's movement and development with the latest information from the NHC, and the National Weather Service in Slidell.
The Emergency Operation Center has also activated its phone bank for residents who have questions about the storm plan for Tropical Storm Isaac. The telephone numbers for persons with questions are (985) 537-7603 or (985) 446-8427.
"At this point, we expect a wind event and high tides associated with Isaac. and People who live in vulnerable structures should make preparations as the storm approaches," Randolph said. "At this point we are discussing the possibility of opening an evacuation center but have not made that decision yet."
In the event residents need to evacuate, Randolph said they should bring enough food, water, linens and medicine for five days, along with other necessities for riding out the storm.
The Department of Public Works has also opened its field offices for persons who need sandbags. Each household is limited to 25 pre-filled sandbags. However, residents are allowed to fill more bags themselves if needed.
The Sixth Ward Barn is not opened today. However, sandbags, shovels and sand are available at the barn for persons who want to make their own sandbags.
Randolph also urges residents to check the ditches and drain traps in their neighborhoods, and remove obstructions to allow potential heavy rainfall to flow into the drainage system.
The President also added that garbage pickup throughout the parish scheduled for Monday will not be affected by the storm's approach.
Randolph said all residents should stay tuned to radio and television stations for more information on Isaac. The latest information is also available at the Lafourche Parish Government website at http://www.lafourchegov.org
