Weather Update in St. Bernard Parish

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All bridges out of St. Bernard Parish except on St. Claude Avenue are now closed as well as the Violet Canal bridge in the parish; Residents urged to stay off roadways

Jan. 28, 2014 – All bridges out of St. Bernard Parish except on St. Claude Avenue are now closed as well as the Violet Canal bridge on East Judge Perez Drive in the parish as of 6 p.m. because of icy weather, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The Louisiana National Guard and the state DOTD are working to keep open the St. Claude bridge, the sheriff said, and the Paris Road bridge over the MR-GO is open only for emergency vehicles.

Other bridges out of the parish including on Claiborne Avenue and Florida Avenue are closed.

As well as the bridges, the state DOTD reports Chalmette ferry service is suspended.

“Residents are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Ice build-up is making it extremely dangerous to travel.’’

Freezing temperatures and icing is expected through Wednesday night and icing has formed already in many areas of St. Bernard Parish.

Off and on rains are expected through Tuesday evening and as temperatures continue to drop highways and bridges could become frozen over.

Sheriff Pohlmann and other top sheriff’s officials participated in two telephone conferences with the National Weather Service on Tuesday in which officials said temperatures will remain below freezing through Wednesday night before warming Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Office administrative offices are closed through Wednesday but residents should continue to call 911 or (504) 271-2501 for any emergencies including reporting crime,

St. Bernard Parish government’s Office of Emergency Preparedness is operating and can be reached at (504) 278-4268.