The threat of Hurricane Ida with possible tropical winds and heavy downpours are being monitored closely by parish officials in the Emergency Operations Center in Covington. Thus far, it appears the storm will make landfall around the Mississippi-Alabama state line, west of original predictions due to the rapid movement of the storm.

Parish spokesperson Suzanne Parsons-Stymiest said that people in mobile homes and trailers should take appropriate precautions due to the threat of tropical force winds from to Hurricane Ida.

Significant rainfall from the system continues to be a threat.

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Four sandbag stations have been opened to serve residents at the following locations: Covington Barn, 1305 N. Florida St., Covington; Koop Drive, 21411 Koop Dr., Mandeville, under Tammany Trace water tower; Airport Road Barn, 34783 Grantham College Rd.; Slidell Fritchie Barn, 63119 U. S. Highway 190, Pearl River.

Sandbags will be available until 3:30 p.m.

Parish President Kevin Davis has declared a state of emergency for the parish as of 4 p.m. yesterday and precautions are being taken across the parish.

All public schools are closing three hours earlier than normal with no aftercare available. Archdiocesan schools are closed.

Stymiest said that the greatest concern is with lake water levels. So far, predictions indicate a 2-4 foot increase, well within parameters. However, if the tropical force winds from the east are sustained for a great length of time, this will adversely affect the water levels.

In Covington, precautions are being taken to “batten down” the city, said Mayor Candace Watkins. All meetings and Mayor’s Court have been cancelled in the city and drains are being checked to prevent flooding.

The city’s emergency preparation plan has been activated, but food service will not be utilized because of the short duration and limited severity of the storm.

Fire Chief Richard Badon said the Bogue Falaya River at 4th Street is also being monitored and is currently bank full and just beginning to spill onto the roadway, which is lower than expected.

Badon said that tropical force winds are expected as soon as noon but the storm is declining in strength due to cooler water temperatures.

If the storm remains as predicted Monday morning, Mandeville’s Interim Mayor Edward “Bubby” Lyons is anticipating Lake Pontchartrain will top the seawall on Lakeshore Drive. He expects street flooding on Lakeshore Drive and as far up as one to two block into Old Mandeville.

Public Works employees were preparing barricades Monday morning, readying them to be placed on flooded roads once the storm arrives.

He does not anticipate any house flooding, but said those individuals who have experienced flooding during previous storms of this caliber should be prepared with sandbags.

He is asking all residents who live in low lying areas to pick up anything in that is in their yards that might float away in flood waters.

He said the city has been working with the parish and preparing since Sunday for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rains and some wind.

With Hurricane Ida approaching, Abita Springs Mayor Louis Fitzmorris is asking all residents to help clear the drainage ways in town. He has asked everyone to check the ditches and drains around their homes to make sure they are clear of debris, and to monitor the town’s Web site at www.townofabitasprings.com for any further information. The town will have sandbags available at the field across from Town Hall for Abita Springs residents.

In Slidell, weather is expected to get bad around 3 to 4 pm and will remain unstable throughout the night. Tides are expected to be 2-1/2 to 3 foot above normal, which is predicted to cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, including the Palm Lake subdivision. High tide will occur around 11 pm. Wind will be 35-40 mph with sustained gusts. A total of 3 to 5 inches of rain is expected.

According to Mayor Ben Morris, “Palm Lake is a main priority, as is lower Slidell.” He explained that a sandbag station will be set up at Lee Street and Pontchartrain Drive and will open others if necessary.

Regarding pump stations, all water has been pumped down. All stations are working except one of three pumps at the Old Barn in Slidell. Parts are being shipped in this morning and all three are expected to be online today.

Extra city personnel and police will be on hand. Extra units will be on patrol at the Palm Lake subdivision and south Slidell.

By tomorrow morning, weather should begin to clear up.

Tammany Parish will open four sandbag stations immediately at the following locations in preparation for Tropical Storm Ida:

• Covington Barn, 1305 N. Florida St., Covington

• Koop Drive, 21411 Koop Drive, Mandeville (under Tammany Trace water tower)

• Airport Road Barn, 34783 Grantham College Rd.,

• Slidell Fritchie Barn, 63119 Hwy 1090, Pearl River

• Pontchartrain Drive and Lee Road in Slidell.

Sandbags will be available until 3:30 PM. The hours will be extended as necessary.