The area around St. Peter Street near its intersection with Railroad Avenue in New Iberia will be closed for the next several hours. 

New Iberia Fire Chief Gordon Copell said a gas leak occurred in the area, and Centerpoint Energy is estimating a closure for the next 7-8 hours. 

Everyone in the area, including the two homes in the area, were evacuated. Drivers are asked to avoid this area, take alternate routes and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.