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Washington Parish President Richard “Ned” Thomas Jr. released an additional statement about Hurricane Zeta on Wednesday afternoon.

In the statement, Thomas said:

“Hurricane Zeta is now a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

Washington Parish is currently under a Hurricane Warning, Area Flood Watch and Tornado Watch until further notice.

American Red Cross Shelters have been opened. These shelters of last resort are for those residents who do not feel safe in their home and are asked to bring all essential items for you and your family till the threat is no longer a factor and it is safe to return to your home. In addition, COVID-19 preventive actions will be utilized.

Locations are as follows:

Bogalusa High School gymnasium, 100 M.J. Israel Drive, Bogalusa.

Franklinton High School gymnasium, 1 Demon Circle, Franklinton.

Emergency preparations and plans for this storm should be in place. Citizens are urged to stay at home as weather conditions will quickly deteriorate and travel will not be advisable.
Updates to the forecast can be found at www.washingtonparishalerts.org, www.weather.gov/lix/, or www.facebook.com/WPOHSEP.”

Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie as a Category 2 hurricane at approximately 4:30 p.m. It had sustained winds of 95 knots/110 mph at initial landfall, officials said.