Hurricane Harvey Louisiana: Jefferson Davis Parish Schools Reopening

JENNINGS, LA — Attention Jefferson Davis Parish students: If you put off doing homework because of Hurricane Harvey, well, get on it because Harvey — now a tropical storm — is weakening and schools are reopening Thursday.

The school system made the announcement on its website Wednesday, acknowledging that not all of its youngsters might be able physically turn in their homework.

"We do understand that there are over 65 road closures and high water which may prevent students and some school personnel from attending school however we will employ flexibility with our attendance requirements to accommodate these individuals." (For more information on Harvey and other Louisiana stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Officials asked that no one put themselves — or anyone else — in danger when navigating flood conditions.

"If you believe you will have difficulty in getting to school tomorrow please contact your school administrator immediately. It is important that we quickly reestablish a school routine and normalcy for our students in these difficult times."

Other parish schools nearby are also reopening.

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles on Wednesday morning said a flood warning remains in effect for the Bayou Des Cannes, Bayou Nezpique and Mermentau River.

Moderate flooding is projected for the Bayou Nezpique after midnight Thursday that could affect some homes near Jennings, Mermentau and Silverwood. Several roads in the area flooded, including state Route 97 near Jennings.

Officials projected minor flooding for the Mermentau River, near Mermentau, and that water levels wouldn't begin to fall until Friday morning.

A flood warning also continues for Bundick Creek at Bundick Lake as well as the Calcasieu River, near Oakdale, Glenmora, Oberlin, Kinder, Old Town Bay and Salt Water Barrier. The west fork of the Calcasieu River at Sam Houston Jones State Park is also under a flood warning.

A tropical storm warning and storm surge watch are in effect for Jefferson Davis Parish.

The storm is currently about 60 miles north of Cameron, moving north-northeast.

Officials project Harvey's center will leave central Louisiana Wednesday night and move across the Lower Mississippi Valley through Thursday.

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