ST. JAMES PARISH (WGNO) – Volunteers are needed at seven locations throughout St. James Parish to help fill sandbags. Officials say so far, over 100 volunteers have filled more than 38,000 sandbags, but more is needed.
On Monday, officials in the parish warned residents about the possibility of backwater flooding that could push water into homes and force evacuations. Backwater flooding happens when something upstream impedes the flow of water from downstream. Rivers across South Louisiana have crested to record levels, and the chances for backwater flooding in St. James Parish are high.
As a precaution, the St. James Parish School System has announced that all public schools, along with St. Peter Chanel Interparochial School will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
There is no evacuation order issued for St. James Parish at this time.
Sandbagging will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sand and bags for sandbagging are available at the following locations:
East Bank Locations:
- Grand Point Fire Station
- Behind Creole House Restaurant in Grand Point
- Young’s Kwik Stop in Convent
- First Community Antioch Baptist Church
- Gramercy North Airline Highway Fire Station (Near St. James Nursery)
West Bank Locations:
- King View Street Fire Station
- South Vacherie Fire and Rescue Training Center (Near Health Unit)
Sand and bags are available at all locations. Residents are encouraged to bring your own shovel and bag your own sand. These sites will have sand and bags regularly delivered throughout the day.
Volunteers should go to all locations to assist with sandbagging and not gather at one location.
More information can be found here: http://www.stjamesla.com/information. Officials say they will update the website throughout the day.