Storm Surge Warning for Southeast St. Tammany, Immediate Evacuation Urged

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Southeast St. Tammany, including Slidell, by the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans LA, effective immediately from Thursday, October 8 at 4:13 PM CDT until Friday, October 9 at 12:15 AM CDT. Life-threatening storm surge inundation of 3 to 5 feet above ground is possible in surge-prone areas. This threat is expected from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

Residents in affected areas should complete all evacuation efforts and flood preparations now. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services. Significant impacts are expected, including damage to buildings near Lake Pontchartrain and the Rigolets, and weakened or washed-out sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads.

Wind speeds are forecast to be below tropical storm force, with peak winds of 15-25 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. Little to no additional wind impacts are expected. No significant rainfall or tornadoes are forecast at this time. Stay informed by monitoring local officials' instructions and checking gohsep.la.gov/emergency for more information.