HAMMOND- Emergency crews across Tangipahoa Parish have their hands full with widespread flooding and heavy rainfall. Authorities spent early Friday morning responding to calls about people trapped by the high flood waters.

According to WWL-TV, nearly 200 stranded people had to be rescued throughout the Hammond area Friday morning. However as of Friday afternoon, WBRZ reports that nearly 500 people have been rescued from the area.

According to the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, authorities evacuated close to 60 homes in preparation of the rising water.

The Red Cross is helping the flood victims. They've set up shelters at the following locations:

1. Loranger High School (19404 Hiatt Road, Loranger, La.)
2. Natalbany Elementary School (47370 N. Morrison Blvd., Natalbany La.)

Shelters have also been set up at the following locations in Washington Parish:

1.Franklinton High School (1 Deomon Circle, Franklinton, La.)
2. Elizabeth Sullivan University Methodist Church (510 Avenue B, Bogalusa, La.)

For a list of road closures in the area click here. Be sure to watch WBRZ News 2 at Noon for the latest on the severe weather that's moving through the state.