Calcasieu Parish: Free Sandbag Locations Open Ahead of Heavy Rain Threat
Calcasieu Parish, LA [KNGT-FM] - As Southwest Louisiana braces for another round of potentially heavy rainfall, Calcasieu Parish officials are taking proactive measures to help residents protect their homes and property from possible flooding.
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury has announced that multiple sandbag distribution locations are now open across the parish as forecasters continue to monitor a wet-weather pattern affecting the region.
The move comes as the National Weather Service predicts a significant chance of rain over the next several days, while meteorologists also keep a close eye on Invest 90L in the Gulf.
With saturated ground conditions already present in many areas, additional rainfall could quickly lead to ponding water, overwhelmed drainage systems, and street flooding. Some forecasts indicate that isolated areas in and around Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana could receive several inches of rain, heightening concerns for neighborhoods prone to flooding during prolonged rain events.
Read More: 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Names
Residents living in low-lying areas or in locations with a history of flooding are encouraged to prepare now rather than wait until severe weather arrives. To assist with those efforts, sand and empty bags are being provided free of charge at designated parish distribution sites.
UPDATE: Wednesday, June 17th, 11:45 AM --
Due to the reduced threat of heavy rainfall in the forecast for Calcasieu Parish, all Police Jury-operated sandbag locations will close at noon today, June 17th, per the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Free Sandbag Locations in Calcasieu Parish
- Former Old Tyme Variety Store location – 810 Ruth St., Sulphur.
- Public Works East – 5500-B Swift Plant Road, Lake Charles (access through the back gates located on James Sudduth Parkway).
- Ward 1 Barn – 461 Parish Road, Moss Bluff.
- Ward 2 Barn – 7085 LA 14 East, Hayes.
- Ward 3 Old Barn – 2302 Smith Road, Lake Charles.
- Ward 6 Barn – 1275 Plum St., DeQuincy.
- Iowa City Hall – 115 N. Thompson Ave., Iowa (baseball field).
- Ward 8 Barn – 1726 Parish Barn Road, Iowa.
- Ward 5 Barn – 129 Third St., Starks.
- Vinton Public Works Yard – 1320 Hampton St., Vinton
Officials remind residents that while the materials are available at no cost, individuals must bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own sandbags. Assistance is not provided on-site.
Read More: If Cajuns named Hurricanes, here's what they would be
Now, if you are unable to fill the sandbags yourself, a sandbag-filling machine will be available during daylight hours beginning at 7:00 am at the following locations:
- Former Old Tyme Variety Store location – 810 Ruth St., Sulphur.
- Public Works East – 5500-B Swift Plant Road, Lake Charles (access through the back gates located on James Sudduth Parkway.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the resource early and stay informed as weather conditions develop throughout the week.
Essential Items for Your Hurricane Kit