Storm Surge Watch Issued for Upper St. Bernard: Prepare for Life-Threatening Inundation

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Upper St. Bernard, including Chalmette, Meraux, and Violet, as of 10:12 AM CDT today, October 7, by the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans. This means life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline is possible within the next 48 hours.

Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential storm surge flooding of 3 to 5 feet above ground in surge-prone areas. This surge is expected from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Efforts to protect property should begin immediately, and disaster supplies should be assembled. Know your evacuation route and leave if evacuation orders are given for your area. Failure to heed evacuation orders may result in loss of life.

Wind speeds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected, with a potential for hazardous winds between 39 to 57 mph. Prepare for limited wind damage, including to porches, awnings, and unanchored mobile homes. Scattered power and communication outages are possible. Limited rainfall of around 1 inch may cause localized flooding. Tornadoes are not expected.

This Storm Surge Watch is effective until 6:15 PM UTC today, October 7. For more information, visit gohsep.la.gov/emergency.