Washington Parish President Richard “Ned” Thomas released a statement Wednesday morning concerning the forecast inclement weather for this weekend. In the statement, Thomas explained that sandbags will be available for parish citizens at three different locations, starting at 8 a.m. Thursday.

The statement reads:

As your Parish President, I would like to ensure all citizens of Washington Parish that my Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness office is and will continue to monitor Tropical Cyclone #2. As of Tuesday, we have been coordinating with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness along with the National Weather Service through conference calls.

Updates received from the National Weather Service will be posted on the Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Facebook page, along with the Parish Government web page. Although forecast models for Tropical Cyclone #2 are uncertain at this time, the NWS has forecasted that Southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi could receive 6-8 inches of rain, with the potential of more than 10 inches. Sandbags will be available beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at the following locations:

• WPFD #7 — 17380 Bill Booty Road, Bogalusa.
• WP Public Works Location #2 — Yacc Road (Highway 10 west of Seven Mile Road).
• WP Public Works Location #3 — 801 Pearl St., Franklinton.

You should always remain prepared throughout hurricane season! All residents, if you haven’t already done so, should be preparing an emergency plan. Now is the time to make sure your generator is in working order, your gutters, catch basins and ditches are free of any debris, and that you have all the necessary supplies you and your family may need for a minimum of seven days. I continue to urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay tuned to local media.