The Morgan City area will be experiencing 70 mph winds between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., according to Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Duval Arthur. Rain totals are expected to accumulate 4-6 inches.

Other notes:

-Dusk to dawn curfew in effect for the entire parish begins today, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.

-Due to weather conditions, wind and potential road blockages and downed power lines, residents are requested to remain in their homes.

-At this hour, power is out to 1,200 Cleco customers in the parish in addition to 50 percent of Morgan City residents.

-Tides will start coming in between 4p.m. and 7 p.m. today. Water levels will be rising 2-4 feet above normal.

-All St. Mary Parish public and private schools closed Thursday. Young Memorial closed Thursday.

-St. Mary Parish Government Offices will be closed Thursday.

-Berwick Civic Center is open as a shelter of last resort. Bring everything you will need. No supplies are offered.

-Damage across the parish primarily consists of downed trees and power lines, some downed power poles. The Amelia Circle K awning over the gas pumps was damaged and Cameron Iron Works experienced some damage. A mobile home near the Amelia boat ramp was blown off its blocks and a mobile home in Siracusaville lost part of its roof. Also, a large awning on Neptune Street in Bayou Vista was torn apart and blown across several homes and vehicles.

Morgan City:

-Motorists are advised to stop at non-working traffic lights. Alcohol sales are suspended until further notice.

-Electrical crews continue to work between squalls. About 50 percent of homes have power. This fluctuates as crews fight through the storms. Some live power lines are down and poles are broken. Do not go outside.

-Current rain total measured at 1 inch. No flooding problems reported. Justa Street pumping station lost its roof but continues to be manned.

Berwick

-Power has been off and on, but Cleco has been working nonstop to restore. At this hour crews are being pulled off the streets because of sustained wind speeds. If power goes out after this point, it will not be restored until winds die down.

-A 10:30 a.m. visual inspection of the town revealed downed trees, but rain water levels in the ditches were good.

-About 15 people have taken refuge in the Berwick Civic Center.

Patterson

-Intermittent but brief power outages.

-No drainage problems reported.

-Debris, power lines and trees downed.

-Water system ok.

Franklin

-City hall will be closed Thursday and Friday. For any emergency, call the city hall number and it will be routed to the OEP office. Power is on in the western end of the parish with no major problems reported.