Gustav: New Iberia: Another 10 inches of rain are expected

Parish officials are telling us that another 10 inches of rain are  expected for the area. Some areas that were OK this morning are filling up  with water now. As of 12:30 p.m., we have had no reports of water in homes,  but it is close in a few areas of the parish. Also, high tide is not expected  until 7:15 p.m. today, which means drainage of rainwater is hampered and  will drain much more slowly.

Iberia Office of Emergency Preparedness  says it is still on tier 1, which means emergency personnel. It has no time set to advance to tier 2, when "essential" businesses are to be allowed in. That  being said, there are some people who did not evacuate who are trying to  provide some services, such as ice, food and other supplies as they are available. OEP is proving ice and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) at a few distribution points in the parish for those who are in need.

Cleco has not yet told us or parish officials how soon it could give an assessment of how soon power can be restored.

For anyone who has evacuated, it is not a  good idea to come back yet. Several roads remain closed and there are few  places in the region that have fuel.

Land lines are still working right now, so anyone wanting to call in can do so at our regular 337-365-6773 ext. 3020 for me, ext. 3022 for  Don Shoopman, ext. 3024 for Stephen Hemelt, ext. 3050 for Alan.

Thanks  for the help, and keep praying.

- Jeff Zeringue