Iberia Parish Urged To Evacuate: Tropical Storm Francine Approaching

NEW IBERIA, La. (KPEL NEWS) - Iberia Parish is bracing for significant impacts from Tropical Storm Francine, which is currently positioned in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to bring high winds, heavy rains, dangerous storm surges, and widespread flooding to the region. In response, Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard issued an emergency declaration Monday night, to prepare residents for the potential hazards ahead.

Credit: NOAA

Following consultations with the National Weather Service, the Iberia Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, and other emergency response agencies, President Richard has recommended voluntary evacuations for residents living south of U.S. Highway 90. These evacuations should begin immediately, as Tropical Storm Francine continues to track closer to the Louisiana coastline.

Others Groups Who Should Evacuate

In addition to the general recommendation, several specific groups are strongly urged to evacuate. These include residents living in areas prone to storm surges, individuals with special needs, those in low-lying regions near lakes, bayous, or drainage systems that have flooded in the past, and anyone living in structures that have previously experienced flood damage from heavy rains.

The Importance of Preparation

President Richard also emphasized the importance of preparation. "I urge all our residents to check their emergency supplies, make plans to protect their families and pets, and stay informed," he said. Iberia Parish residents are encouraged to monitor updates through the Parish Information Notification System (PINS), the Iberia Parish Government website, Facebook, and local news outlets.

Those choosing to stay should be aware they may face power outages and could be cut off by rising floodwaters and storm debris, which may make travel impossible until the situation improves. Evacuations are recommended for those able to leave now.

Hurricane Preparation, What Are the Items You Didn't Think Of?

When there is word that a hurricane might threaten the Gulf Coast, we start thinking about what items we need to make life bearable if we end up stuck at home without electricity and internet.

In addition to these creature comforts, we also need to think about the many things that we would need to take with us if we are forced to evacuate.

While we all immediately think of things like prescription medicines and important papers, there are other things that can come in handy whether we will be stuck at home, at a relative's house, or in a shelter.