Sandbag distribution sites are open across St. Martin Parish for residents wishing to prepare for what is anticipated to be the arrival of Tropical Storm Bertha this week, according to the St. Martin Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The National Hurricane Center advised on Monday that Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season was traveling northwest at 5 mph on Tuesday morning.
Located in the eastern Gulf, Bertha had sustained winds of 50 mph and a central pressure of 997 millibars.
The storm was expected to reach the south central coastal region of Louisiana by 7 a.m. Thursday. Land interaction, increased wind shear and dry air are expected to weaken the system as it moves west toward Louisiana.
Forecasts call for a 25 percent chance of tropical storm force winds along the Gulf Coast Wednesday and Thursday.
Rainfall is expected to be less than an inch in Upper St. Martin Parish but rain totals in Lower St. Martin Parish could reach more than 2 inches.
Flash flooding remains a risk but that was downgraded to marginal for Acadiana for Wednesday and Thursday. Storm surge could be an issue in the Morgan City area near Stephensville but lesser storm surge is expected West of Morgan City.
Sandbag sites in St. Martin Parish were open starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Residents are asked to bring a shovel and be prepared to fill their own sandbags. There is a limit of 25 bags per vehicle. Normally, it takes only 6 bags to secure a door.
Sandbags will be available at the following locations:
• Ruth Barn – 1035 Ruth Bridge Hwy, Breaux Bridge;
• South Barn – 1011 Capritto 40 Arpent Road, St. Martinville;
• Paul Angelle Park – 2458 Cecilia Senior High School Road, Breaux Bridge;
• Clayton Boudreaux Memorial Park – 1028 Catahoula Hwy, St. Martinville;
Sandbags
• Coteau Holmes Park -1514 Coteau Holmes Hwy, St. Martinville; • Stephensville Park -3257 Hwy 70 Stephensville; • Belle River – 1207A Hwy 70
Sandbags will be available:
• Tuesday: 6 a.m.
until 6 p.m.;
•Wednesday: 6 a.m.
until 6 p.m.;
• Thursday: 6 a.m.
until 6 p.m.
