Storm Surge Warning for Southeast St. Tammany, Immediate Action Advised

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Southeast St. Tammany, including Slidell, as of 9:59 PM CDT on October 7 by the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans LA. This warning signifies a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline within the next 36 hours. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed now before conditions become unsafe.

Residents in surge-prone areas should anticipate potential life-threatening storm surge flooding of 3-5 feet above ground, with a window of concern from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services. Significant impacts are possible, including damage to buildings near Lake Pontchartrain and the Rigolets, and weakened or washed-out sections of near-shore escape routes.

A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect, with peak wind forecasts of 20-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Efforts to protect property should be underway. Act now to complete preparations before hazardous winds begin. Potential impacts include damage to porches, awnings, and unanchored mobile homes, along with scattered power outages and impassable roads due to debris. Rainfall is expected to be 1-3 inches, with little to no potential for flooding. The NWS does not expect tornadoes at this time. For more information, visit gohsep.la.gov/emergency.