Jefferson Prepares for More Inclement Weather
December 14, 2009
According to the National Weather Service, Jefferson Parish is now under a Flash Flood Watch until Tuesday afternoon. Rainfall over the duration of this time may cause street flooding especially in low-lying areas. Drainage Pump Station crews worked throughout the weekend and will stay activated until the rain event is over.
The Jefferson Parish Drainage Department has put the Hoey's Basin Plan in action and is dispatching trucks to flush and clean catch basins and drains. All pump stations requiring manning, are fully staffed until the threat of severe weather has passed. Trash and obstructions have been removed from canals and pump station screens have been cleared of debris. All canals have been pumped to the lowest possible elevations.
The Jefferson Parish Streets Department crews are on stand-by with barricades to close flooded streets. Citizens are asked to help reduce the chance of street flooding by clearing debris from their streets and drains around their property; such debris impedes water flow into the drainage system.
Motorists are urged not to drive on flooded streets. Parish Ordinance prohibits motorists from traveling down flooded streets which may increase the possibility of structural flooding due to wake action caused by moving vehicles.
The Jefferson Parish Emergency Operating Center (EOC), 349-5360, is operational until the rain event is over.
