NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — While Southeastern Louisiana is not expected to take a direct hit from Tropical Storm Francine, both Jefferson and Orleans Parish leaders say they are not taking any chances.
During Jefferson Parish’s press conference, leaders announced a mandatory evacuation for everyone outside the levee system.
While the city of New Orleans did not announce any mandatory evacuations, officials urge residents to shelter in place during the duration of the storm.
Francine forecast to make landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane Wednesday “I think that Wednesday and Thursday are going to be the days that are going to be most impactful for our city and for our area and that people should really consider Wednesday and Thursday staying home staying indoors staying off the roads,” said Director of New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Collin Arnold.
Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Director Joe Valiente
As for emergency shelters, Orleans Parish officials announced they will open a shelter for the homeless community in Central City. In Jefferson Parish, officials will open Terrytown Playground for those in mobile homes or trailers.
“We still have about 50 trailers throughout the parish that were a result of Ida. Those trailers or mobile homes will not be able to withstand the kinds of winds that we have coming,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
Tropical Storm Francine preparations include gas and groceries Emergency services will be available in both parishes as well. However, Orleans Parish asks that all non-emergencies be reported to 311.
“Please reserve 911 for emergencies only for police, fire and ems emergencies. That’s 9-1-1,” said NOLA EMS Chief Bill Salmeron.
As for post-storm, both parishes say they have clean-up teams on standby ready to remove debris once Francine passes.
“In the event that you encounter one of our crews working, please keep a safe distance, not just for your own safety, but for our crew’s safety as well,” said Entergy Customer Service Manager Jimmy Aitken.
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