Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser declared a State of Emergency for the parish at 7 o'clock Sunday morning, due to Tropical Storm Debby.

Nungesser says the projected storm surge in the Myrtle Grove area is about three to four feet.

"We have levee area there that's three to three-and-a-half feet. So, where we saw that levee over-top last year for that tropical storm, we're raising that levee to four foot, and we'll have that done by this afternoon," said Nungesser.

Sandbagging the Myrtle Grove area will help prevent the flooding of Hwy 23 and surrounding communities.

"If this storm moves closer inland towards Venice, and that storm surge goes above four feet, we will then put Hesco baskets and tubes along Highway 23 so we don't have to flood-fight like we did last year. We lost that battle and saw Highway 23 go under water."

Nungesser is urging residents of low lying areas to be aware of heavy rain and watch for flooding.

"This thing scares me," Nungesser said. "Because I've never seen a track where one's going to Florida and one's going to Texas. And a couple of those models even have it circling back in the Gulf and coming right up the river. With all that uncertainty, there's no reason to panic right now, but we need to be very watchful of this thing because it could gain strength as it has overnight."

Nungesser says his biggest concern with Debby is the possible direct hit on Venice of a Category 1 hurricane.