Jefferson Parish: Please stay inside and let us do our jobs

Like New Orleans, Jefferson Parish leaders are asking residents to stay inside unless absolutely necessary, and stick to that for a little while even after the storm passes.

"Traffic is actually very light," said Sheriff Joe Lopinto. "Most people are off the roadways. We want to keep it that way."

Lopinto said even after the bad weather moves on, they want people to sit tight for a little while.

"We want to give them the opportunity for Entergy to get out there and restore power, for our crews to be able to the trees out of the way," the sheriff said. "We have plenty of people here that are out there trying to help us. If you can give us the time after this storm, we'll be happy to help."

Here at the @JeffParishGov press conference. Sheriff Lopinto urges residents to stay off the roads tonight. pic.twitter.com/dvZis68H8V

— Flood Protection Authority (@SLFPAE) July 13, 2019

Parish President Mike Yenni said the drainage system has 99.3 percent of its pumping capacity available, and it's formidable.

"When pumping capacity at our pumps can pump enough water, we can fill the Smoothie King center in six minutes and the Superdome in 46 minutes," said Yenni. "This parish has put three new pumping stations online this past year."

Low-lying areas of Jefferson were told to evacuate Friday. For anyone who remained on Grand Isle. a curfew begins at 10:00 p.m. LA 1 is closed between Grand Isle and Port Fourchon, and the island is already experiencing tropical storm-force wind gusts.