Hurricane Harvey Louisiana: St. Martin Parish Schools Close

BREAUX BRIDGE, LA — St. Martin Parish schools and offices will remain closed Wednesday as the region braces for more heavy bands of rain — remnants of Hurricane Harvey.

The school system made the announcement on its website, saying officials will continue to watch what happens with Tropical Storm Harvey. The district plans to work with emergency planners and provide updates.

Harvey, which is now a tropical storm, forced hundreds of people to evacuate in Lake Charles on Monday night, sometimes in chest-deep water. (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.)

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told reporters he expects the threat to rise as outer rain bands sweep into Louisiana, adding, "This is going to play out over several days."

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for all of southeast Louisiana, southwest Mississippi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Thursday. Forecasters say up to 8 inches of rain will be possible through Thursday, with higher amounts possible.

Forecasters also warn of isolated tornadoes in Louisiana, especially in areas near the coast.

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