St. Tammany Opens Five Sandbag Sites As Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens Heavy Rain

by | Slidell News & Guides

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Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe And Other Parish Locations Began Self-Service Distribution Monday

St. Tammany Parish has opened five self-service sandbag locations as officials prepare for possible flooding impacts from Tropical Storm Bertha.

In a public notice posted Monday, parish government said the sites opened July 20 at noon and will serve residents across the parish, including the Slidell area. The locations are at the Airport Road Public Works Barn in Slidell, Keller Barn in Lacombe, the parish government complex in Mandeville, the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington, and the Fritchie Public Works Barn in Pearl River.

Parish officials said residents should bring their own shovels. People who need assistance can call 985-898-2557.

The move comes as Tropical Storm Bertha continues to churn in the Gulf. As of Tuesday morning, July 21, the National Hurricane Center said the storm was expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated higher totals around 6 inches, through Thursday along parts of the Gulf Coast and adjacent inland areas including southern Louisiana. Forecasters said that rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially in urban areas.

The hurricane center also said parts of southeastern Louisiana could see tropical storm conditions as the system tracks westward along or near the Gulf Coast. Forecast discussions Tuesday indicated the storm’s rain and wind could remain uneven, with stronger impacts south of the center, but officials across southeast Louisiana have continued storm preparations in case conditions worsen.

For Slidell-area residents, the sandbag openings offer an early chance to protect low-lying yards, driveways and structures before heavier rain bands arrive. That can be especially important in neighborhoods vulnerable to standing water, as well as areas near ditches, canals and low spots that tend to fill quickly during tropical weather.

Five Sandbag Locations In St. Tammany Parish

  1. Airport Road Public Works Barn in Slidell
  2. Keller Barn in Lacombe
  3. St. Tammany Parish government complex in Mandeville
  4. St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington
  5. Fritchie Public Works Barn in Pearl River

Why This Matters In Slidell

Slidell sits near major drainage corridors and low-lying areas that can flood quickly during tropical downpours, even when the center of a storm stays offshore or away from the city. With many residents commuting on I-10, I-12, U.S. 190 and nearby connectors, heavy rainfall can also create travel problems well before a storm makes its closest approach. Opening the Slidell and Pearl River sandbag sites early gives east St. Tammany residents more time to prepare before roads and weather conditions deteriorate.

 

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