Curfew lifted for communities below the Morganza levee and gate alignment; sheriff still urges caution

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announces that the curfew for communities below the Morganza levee and gate alignment is now lifted, and deputies have been released from checkpoints, allowing free travel in those areas.

The decision to lift the curfew, originally scheduled to continue through the evening hours, was made because checks of all bayou highways by deputies showed them mostly clear of water, and with Hurricane Sally having made landfall on the eastern Gulf coast, the storm threat no longer exists.

“There are a few spots with minimal standing water, but they are passable,” Sheriff Soignet said. “I would still urge caution due to a few areas with light scattered debris from when the water was high.”

The Sheriff offered thanks to residents for their cooperation and early preparations to keep out of harm’s way.

“I know that these preparations can be an annoyance at best and create some hardships at worst, although they are necessary when we are under a storm threat” Sheriff Soignet said. “The people with camps, boats and homes worked with us as a team and made our tasks easier to perform and more effective. Our personnel are also quite aware of the encouragement and support extended by the community and for that they and I are grateful.”

The Sheriff also expressed gratitude to his agency’s employees for their efforts.

“The men and women of this office did an outstanding job, each and every one of them,” Sheriff Soignet said. “Their dedication has been exemplary. We were spared the physical effects of Hurricane Sally now being thrust on our eastern Gulf neighbors. We offer our prayers, and stand ready to help if needed.”

PHOTOS: (main image) At the Cocodrie Roller Gate on La. 56, Deputies Dylan Fitch and Jacob Fonseca begin their watch Tuesday night. (Above) At Four Point Road, Deputies Heather Guidroz and Adam Billiot start their 12-hour shift.

TPSO PHOTOS BY JAMES LOISELLE