Contact: Hannah Wenninger, City of Natchitoches
Phone: (318) 352-2772
Email: hwenninger@natchitochesla.gov
8/26/20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY UPDATES CITIZENS ON PREPARATIONS AS HURRICANE LAURA MAKES LANDFALL TONIGHT
NATCHITOCHES – As of Wednesday, August 26th, Hurricane Laura is predicted to intensify to a Category 4 hurricane. The City of Natchitoches would like to notify its citizens we expect Hurricane Laura to begin impacting our city on the morning of Thursday, August 27th and have been advised to expect strong winds and potential flooding as this weather system moves through our area.
Residents are strongly encouraged to shelter in place and stay off the roads until the weather conditions improve due to increased winds and possibility of flying debris. In the event of downed utility lines, please do not touch or move any lines as no line is guaranteed safe and should be handled by the appropriate entity. Residents can expect wind damage that may cause trees, limbs, or other debris to fall on your property. Please move those to the edge of the street if possible. Waste Connections will resume garbage and debris pick up on Friday, August 28th once weather conditions are safe for personnel.
Due to the pandemic, local shelters are not available at this time. If you need to evacuate from your home please consider staying with a friend or relative to weather the storm. There are also hotels in the area with accommodations at this time.
The offices of the City of Natchitoches will close to the public at 3:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 26th to allow employees to prepare for Hurricane Laura and shelter in place. Offices will remain closed thru Thursday, August 27th and will resume regular working hours on Friday, August 28th depending on weather and road conditions. Parc Natchitoches will also close today at 3:00 p.m.
In the event of an emergency, please call 911. Our Utility Department will begin working to restore power as soon as possible, but we ask the citizens to remain patient during this time. For further updates as they relate to Hurricane Laura, follow the City’s facebook page @CityOfNatchitoches or call (318)352-2772.
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