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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS

A slow-moving tropical disturbance is headed toward the Gulf of Mexico this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Watch for Washington Parish and surrounding areas. The system is expected to bring long-lasting rains that could stall or remain stationary over one area, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding. The Flash Flood Watch goes into effect Wednesday at 1 p.m. and will remain active through late Friday night, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated Thursday and Friday.

Forecasters predict 3 to 6 inches of rain across southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and surrounding areas, with up to 10 inches possible in isolated areas. The system, currently classified as a tropical disturbance, is part of a slow-moving low-pressure system approaching from the Gulf that may or may not develop into a named storm but is still expected to pack a serious punch.

To help residents prepare, multiple self-serve sandbag stations will be open:

• Franklinton: Public Works Building on Lenora Street, beginning Wednesday at 1 p.m. -limit 10 bags per address; bring your own shovel, bags provided.
• Bogalusa: Public Works yard, Wednesday from 1-6 p.m.
• Varnado and Angie: Available Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Angie Town Hall
• Outside City Limits: Available Wednesday at WPFPD #7, 17380 Bill Booty Rd., Bogalusa
• WPG Locations:
  • #2- 23052 YACC Rd., Bogalusa (behind Animal Shelter)
  • #3- 801 Pearl St., Franklinton

Washington Parish President Ryan Seal issued a public statement urging residents to prepare early. Seal emphasized the importance of taking the system seriously urging residents to clear gutters and downspouts to reduce risk of flooding, gather necessary supplies early, make use of available sandbag locations, and check on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure they are prepared. Seal also reminded residents of key flood safety precautions such as never drive around barricades and never walk through floodwaters-just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.

Officials strongly encourage residents to monitor the latest updates from local weather stations, Washington Parish Government Facebook page, and the Washington Parish OEC Preparedness Facebook page. As the tropical system moves closer to the Gulf Coast, residents are urged to stay weather aware and take this window of preparation seriously.