TPG Press Release - Hurricane Sally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller

(985) 748-3211

AMITE—Parish President Robby Miller has signed an emergency declaration effective today (Sunday, Sept. 13), as Tangipahoa prepares for potential landfall from Hurricane Sally in the next 48 hours.

Miller and the Tangipahoa Parish Government team are working inside the Emergency Operations Center, coordinating all storm-related preparations leading up to Sally’s arrival, potentially on Tuesday.

Under the current forecast, Sally is expected to be a Category 1 hurricane approaching the southeast Louisiana coast early Tuesday. In addition to an expectation for tidal surge and intense winds, the National Weather Service suggests the storm will linger over our area, producing significant rain.

“This is a serious threat to our community, and I am urging anyone who has experienced flooding in the past to prepare for the potential of a similar flood event in this case,” Miller said Sunday.

Recommended Evacuation:

Miller is recommending that anyone who lives south of LA 22 or other low-lying areas and has experienced flooding in the past strongly consider moving to higher ground now before Hurricane Sally comes on shore.

There are no evacuation shelters open at this time, so Miller said residents should stay with friends or family if they need to get out of those low-lying or flood-prone areas.

“While there is daylight and before the rain begins, please make every effort to get to a safe location where you can get through this storm,” Miller urged.

If residents choose to evacuate, they should bring any hurricane supplies they will need along with personal documents, medicine and COVID-19 supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer. 

Parish Operations:

Due to the approach of Hurricane Sally, Tangipahoa Parish Government offices are closed through Tuesday, Sept. 15. 

The Tangipahoa Parish Landfill will remain open on Monday, Sept. 14.

Anyone who needs to report a public works issue should call (985) 748-3211 during this closure period, Miller said.

Sandbags:

Miller said sandbags will be available at Tangipahoa Parish Government’s Public Works office, located at 44512 W. Pleasant Ridge Road, east of Hammond, and at the Roseland Public Works shop, located at 63101 Commercial Street in Roseland, until 6 p.m. on Sunday, and continuing as weather permits on Monday, Sept. 14. 

Miller said crews will distribute up to 15 bags per residential structure and 30 per business. 

In addition, the parish has opened self-service sandbag stations at the following locations: 

• 8th Ward Fire Department on LA 445
• 8th Ward Fire Station on LA 22 in Bedico
• Ponchatoula East Station 4 at the corner of Sandhill Cemetery Road and LA 22
• Ponchatoula West Station 3 on the corner of Morgan Drive and LA 22
• Husser Fire Station on LA 44
• Natalbany Fire on LA 1064
• Baptist Fire Station
• Wilmer Fire Station
• Independence Fire Station
• Loranger Fire Station
• Kentwood Volunteer Fire Station on LA 38 East.

Residents will need to bring their own shovel to fill the sandbags at the self-serve sites.

“We encourage anyone who has had an issue with flash flooding or flooding following extended rain events to please come out and pick up sandbags,” Miller said.

Miller encouraged residents to stay tuned to local media and the TPG website, www.Tangipahoa.org, as well as the parish’s social media channels for weather-related updates.