Emergency officials across South Louisiana are mobilizing as the Atchafalaya River and Mississippi River systems show concerning water levels, triggering multiple flood preparations across the region.
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued an extended flood watch for several sections of the Atchafalaya River, including Morgan City, Simmesport, and areas above Butte La Rose. Officials are particularly concerned about Morgan City, where water levels could reach flood stage by April 16. At the critical 7-foot mark, buildings along Ann Street and near the Rio Oil Company dock would face flooding, with similar risks for structures along the Berwick floodwall. The current river stage sits at 3.3 feet, but forecasts suggest it could surpass the 6-foot flood stage by mid-month.
In response to the rising threat, the St. Mary Levee District announced plans to close the Bayou Chene barge starting at 7:00 am on Monday, April 14. The closure will block all water traffic until conditions improve, though officials haven’t specified when they expect to reopen the passage.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans is preparing to enter active flood fight status as early as April 10. Current readings at the Carrollton Gage near their district headquarters show water levels at 6.8 feet, with further rises expected over the next two weeks. The Corps has initiated twice-weekly levee inspections, with teams searching for potential weaknesses like seepage, leaks, and sand boils. They’re also monitoring for unauthorized construction near levees that could compromise flood defenses.
Local residents, particularly those in areas around Lake Palourde and Stephensville, are advised to stay alert for potential backwater flooding and follow updates from local emergency management officials.
The St. Mary Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security announced Tuesday afternoon that several floodgates will be closing in Berwick and Morgan City. In Morgan City, Gate 9 at Freret Steet, Gate 10 at Railroad Avenue near G & J Land & Marine and Gate 27 near Shell Oil will be closed. The gates that will be closing in Berwick are those located at the intersections of First and Pacific Streets and Canton and Utah Streets.