January 20, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH PROVIDES UPDATE AHEAD OF WINTER STORM
Jefferson Parish Government facilities will remain closed through Wednesday, January 22, 2025
JEFFERSON, LA – Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng held a press briefing today (Monday, January 20, 2025) to update the public on the Winter Storm Warning. According to the National Weather Service, cold temps and dangerously cold wind chills will occur tonight through Thursday with prolonged temperatures at or below freezing. Additionally, most of the region will see snow and light icing.
Major impacts to travel are expected, therefore, all Jefferson Parish government facilities will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21, 2025) and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This includes all Jefferson Parish libraries, Head Start and Early Head Start Centers, American Job Centers and JPRD parks and playgrounds.
Road Closures:
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents. Due to potentially dangerous driving conditions and icy roads, residents are asked to shelter in place during winter weather. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, do not take unnecessary risks by venturing out. At noon today (Monday, January 20, 2025), the Lapalco Bridge over the Harvey Canal will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The Lapalco Bridge over Bayou Segnette will close at 2 p.m. today. The Cleary Avenue overpass at I-10 will close at 5 p.m. today. The Louisiana Department of Transportation may close additional bridges and roadways in Jefferson Parish. Visit www.511la.org for more information.
Sheltering:
Jefferson Parish has two warming centers open for residents at Terrytown Playground (641 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, LA 70056) and Ree Alario Special Needs Center (6900 Saints Drive, Metairie, LA 70003). These centers will remain open through the duration of the event for people and pets in need of a warm place during the cold. Residents with pets are asked to bring a pet carrier. The Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority will also assist individuals living outdoors seek temporary shelter. Those with questions or in need of transportation to the warming centers can contact the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center at (504) 349-5360.
Garbage Collection:
There will be no garbage collection for unincorporated Jefferson Parish and Jean Lafitte tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21, 2025) and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The Jefferson Parish Landfill and all four drop-off sites will be closed.
JP Transit:
JP Transit is operating on a Saturday schedule and will run regular scheduled service for Paratransit today (Monday, January 20, 2025) to accommodate same-day requests, dialysis trip changes and other medical trips. JP Transit is suspending all bus and Paratransit services tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21, 2025). All transit services will resume once road conditions have been safely restored. Stay updated at www.JPTransit.org.
The 4 Ps:
Residents are reminded to protect the four Ps: people, pets, pipes and plants — check on elderly neighbors and family; bring pets indoors or make sure they have a warm shelter with access to unfrozen water; wrap exposed pipes and; and protect sensitive vegetation. These conditions could result in damage to unprotected pipes. Raised homes are more vulnerable to frozen pipes because the elevated plumbing is more exposed to cold air and wind, making it significantly easier for pipes to freeze, especially in areas with open foundations. Any exposed pipes should be wrapped with adequate insulating material. If you live in a raised home, allow a small drip from faucets located on exterior walls during cold weather to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.
Heating Safety:
Residents are urged to keep space heater and generator safety in mind during this weather event. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Residents using portable space heaters should always place the unit on a hard, level nonflammable floor. It is also important to keep it at least three feet away from anything that could burn and maintain clearance around the heater so that adults, children and pets won't bump into it. Should freezing temperatures cause power outages, it is critical that residents use generators safely because carbon monoxide is deadly. Residents should only use a generator in a well-ventilated area and place it away from structures, at least 20 feet away from a home, windows and doors. Turn off generators and let them cool down 15-20 minutes before refueling and never refuel a generator while it is hot.
JPAWS:
The Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services (JPAWS) is reminding residents that it is cruelty to not provide pets with proper shelter that prevents exposure to the elements. According to the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances 7-128 (B) 7, shelter for all animals must provide protection from the wind and cold, which includes insulation such as a blanket, hay or newspaper when temperatures reach or fall below 32 degrees. To report an animal control incident, please call (504) 349-5536 during regular business hours; for after hours, call (504) 554-4744.
Weather Forecasts:
The Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Department is working closely with the National Weather Service and will update residents should local impacts from winter weather increase. Hour-by-hour forecasts for specific locations can be accessed at www.weather.gov/neworleans by using the point-and-click map in the middle of the page. Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and make sure to charge mobile devices and keep them nearby.
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.gov. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on social media (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.