The Cameron Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, using weather information from all available sources, is now issuing a Mandatory Order of Evacuation for the southern portion of the parish due to Tropical Storm Francine (the strong potential exists for this system to be upgraded to hurricane status before landfall).

This includes all areas south of the Kelso Bayou Bridge on the west side of the Calcasieu Ship Channel and all areas south of the of the Intracoastal Waterway east of the Calcasieu Ship Channel as of 2 p.m.on Monday,. This includes the communities of Hackberry, Johnson Bayou, Holly Beach, Cameron, Creole, Grand Chenier and Big Lake.

Residents of Cameron Parish who live in an area not listed above, that are prone to flooding, are also advised to take all preliminary precautions and finalize their evacuation preparation plans at this time due to Tropical Storm Francine. Campers/travel trailers should be removed from the areas of evacuation as well as low lying areas that historically flood.

Tropical Storm conditions and coastal flooding are likely to begin by the Tuesday afternoon hours and persist through Thursday. High winds, localized heavy rains, high water, downed trees, and power outages are to be expected with this system.

Residents are advised to monitor their local radio and television stations, NOAA weather radio and social media for broadcast concerning a tropical storm threat or future development for Cameron Parish.

There will be no roadblocks or road closures during the evacuation process.