A tropical depression is expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday or Thursday, and should bring heavy rain to Washington Parish and the surrounding area, according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the storm had a 50-percent chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours and an 80-percent chance of developing within five days.

NWS officials said that South Louisiana is expected to get between four to eight inches of rain through Monday, whether a tropical depression forms or not. The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday and Sunday.

Officials warn that the heavy rain could lead to isolated flash floods.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the weather system was being referred to as “Invest 92L,” but will be given the name “Barry” if it strengthens into a tropical storm.

It is still too early to determine the storm’s specific track, the NWS said.

Tropical depressions have maximum sustained winds below 39 mph. A tropical storm is more organized and has wind speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph.

The projected NWS forecast for Bogalusa is as follows:

• Wednesday — 40-60 percent chance of rain after 1 p.m., high of 94 with a low of 74.
• Thursday — 30-percent chance of rain after 1 p.m., high of 92 with a low of 74.
• Friday — 70-percent chance of rain throughout the day, high of 89 with a low of 73. Wind up to 10 mph.
• Saturday — Showers and thunderstorms very likely throughout the day, high of 87 with a low of 72. Wind up to 10 mph.
• Sunday — A chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 87 with a low of 72. Wind up to 15 mph.
• Monday — A chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 90.

Officials with the Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness recommend that citizens have an emergency kit available with the following items:

• Flashlight.
• Extra batteries
• Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person).
• Battery-powered radio.
• Battery-powered lantern.
• First aid kit and essential medications — prescription medications and list of medications for each person.
• Form of identification.
• Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide (download at getagameplan.org).
• Canned food and non-electric can opener.
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
• Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.
• High energy foods — peanut butter, jelly, crackers, etc.

Also, determine a plan for your pets should evacuations become necessary.

Officials also stated the following on the agency’s Facebook page Tuesday afternoon:

“The storm prediction center is calling for a marginal risk of severe weather on Thursday for southeast Louisiana. Washington Parish can expect between 3-4 inches of rainfall through the weekend, possibly more depending on the track of the storm. While it is too early to determine the track of the storm, the chances of development still remain high at 80 percent.”