Parish president Richard “Ned” Thomas declared a state of emergency for Washington Parish on Friday, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nate’s arrival in a few days.

The letter states:

“Friday morning, Oct. 6, 2017, I declared a state of emergency as Washington Parish is now under a hurricane warning. Our area remains in the cone of error, with a 50-to-60 percent chance that we will receive tropical storm force winds (58-73 mph) late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with two to four inches of rain from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday expected. Impacts could be higher, depending on the track.

“After my meeting this morning with supervisors, we are prepared with equipment, generators and manpower to take care of Washington Parish after the storm passes. Washington Parish EOC will be activated Saturday. We are in the process of coordinating shelters to be opened Saturday afternoon.

Sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Washington Parish Public Works Location No. 2 — corner of Highway 10 and YACC Road (west of Seven Mile Road), in Franklinton.
• Washington Parish Public Works Location No. 3 — 801 Pearl St. in Franklinton.
• Washington Parish Fire District No. 7 — 17380 Bill Booty Road, in Bogalusa.

Locations will be manned by Washington Parish government road crews on Friday, Oct. 5, until 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 6, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“I urge everyone to begin making preparations if you have not already done so. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles, and trees on downed power lines should be checked by the power company in your area before removing debris.

“I ask that you please remain vigilant and watch local media outlets for updates. You will also find the updates on our website at www.washingtonparishalerts.com and both Facebook pages, for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Washington Parish Government.”