Westbank Louisiana News

JEFFERSON, LA – Jefferson Parish is actively monitoring the risk of a rare and hazardous arctic airmass later this week and is prepared to respond. According to the National Weather Service, an extremely cold airmass is expected to surge towards the Gulf Coast later this week and will bring a multitude of hazardous conditions to the area. A hard freeze and dangerous wind chill could begin as early as late Thursday, December 22, 2022, and last through Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25, 2022).

Residents should begin preparing now for the likelihood of extreme and prolonged freezing conditions. All are reminded to protect the 4 Ps: people, pets, pipes and plants – check on elderly neighbors and family; bring pets indoors or make sure they have a warm shelter with access to unfrozen water; wrap exposed pipes and; and protect sensitive vegetation.

The Jefferson Parish Water Department recommends customers DO NOT run their faucets, unless the residence is raised off the ground. Although this is a common practice to aid against pipes freezing under the home, it places a strain on the entire system and increases the chance for a boil water advisory. Homes that sit on a concrete slab have added protection from the concrete and soil and do not require running taps for an extended period of time. Any exposed pipes should be wrapped with adequate insulating material.

In the event of a freeze, the Jefferson Parish Community Development Department and Emergency Management team will coordinate temporary housing for homeless individuals through local community partners and homeless outreach groups. Those in need can contact the Jefferson Parish EOC at 504-349-5360.

Jefferson Parish Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service and will update residents should local impacts from winter weather increase. Hour-by-hour forecasts for specific locations can be accessed at www.weather.gov/neworleans by using the point-and-click map in the middle of the page.

Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (TV, radio, etc.) and make sure to charge mobile devices and keep them nearby. To receive weather and emergency alerts from Jefferson Parish, text JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777. As more information is available, real-time updates will be posted to www.JeffParish.net and all official parish social media outlets. 

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov).

Original source can be found here.