President Richmond has declared a state of emergency for Natchitoches Parish. Hurricane Ida is forecasted to make landfall late Sunday evening, with possible impacts for our Parish from Sunday night through Wednesday morning. The storm is currently predicted to make landfall as a major category 3 or stronger.

Residents should begin storm preparations immediately. While several forecast models have the eye of the storm passing over the south central and eastern portions of the state, it is still possible of Ida’s track to veer to the west and follow a similar path as Hurricane Laura did a year ago.

Because of this residents should prepare for a significant impact including life and property threatening winds, impassable roads, large amounts of debris, and extended power outages.

Now is the time to stock up on essential items, such as:
– non perishable food
– bottled water
– gas for cars, generators, and debris removal equipment
– flashlights
– batteries
– medicine

Make sure cell phones and all portable chargers are charged and ready before the storm hits.

Residents who require electricity for life sustaining medical equipment should have a backup power source ready or make arrangements to temporarily relocate if necessary. Residents living in manufactured homes should also make plans to temporarily relocate if necessary.

For residents with generators: DO NOT run the generator inside your home if you lose electricity. The generator should be placed outside and as far away as possible from any open windows.

All residents should continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service as the storm approaches, and take all precautions to keep you and your family safe.

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