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Advertisement Declaration of emergency issued in Tangipahoa Parish after flooding, severe weather Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A declaration of emergency has been issued in Tangipahoa Parish because of rising floodwaters and severe weather in the parish.Parish President Robby Miller issued the declaration early Friday morning as severe weather moved across southeast Louisiana. Tangipahoa Parish residents have been experiencing widespread flooding since Thursday.Officials said the declaration gives the parish the opportunity to request state resources to help residents who have been affected by the rising floodwaters.Parish officials made several water rescues to help evacuate 50 people from flooded homes in the Rufus Bankston Road and Quick Boulevard area, which is northwest of Hammond.Link: View list of road closures in Tangipahoa Parish hereOfficials said the local fire department and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office helped rescue the people and move them to an evacuation shelter.Similar water rescues were made in the Neal Road area in Loranger, where high water has inundated several residences. As the heavy rain continues Friday, Miller is asking residents to stay off roads and be cautious if they have to use them."If you have water around you and you are safe in your home, we really need you to shelter in place at this time," Miller said.Parish officials said there have been reports of flooded vehicles. Residents should not try to cross flooded streets if they can avoid it.Additional updates will be issued throughout the day Friday. The parish is also providing sandbags beginning at 6 a.m. at parish maintenance offices on Pleasant Ridge Road in Hammond and in Roseland.Stay with WDSU-TV and WDSU.com as updates are released.