flooding
Coastal LA braces for up to 20 inches of rain
A slow-moving tropical depression in the Gulf could bring Coastal LA up to 20 inches of rain. On Sept. 1, Gov. Jindal declared a state of emergency because of the threat of flash flooding. Forecasts were for landfall over the weekend included the southern LA coast, but it is still too early to predict where landfall will occur. Full article.
Mississippi River Sediment discussed
Currently, Louisiana has no project in place to take advantage of the large amount of sediment flowing down the swollen Mississippi River. Discussions are underway to decide the best way to utilize river sediment for coastal restoration efforts. Full article.
FEMA funds available to Louisiana for potential flooding
In addition to direct Federal assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently made 75 percent funding available to Louisiana for necessary emergency protective measures for potential flooding. Full article.
Flooding appears a certainty in Morganza Spillway
Gov. Jindal recently indicated that he expects to hear soon when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will open the floodgates on the Morganza Spillway, which would flood a large part of the Atchafalaya Basin. Some areas inside the east and west Atchafalaya levees and outside them could see water as deep as 25 feet. Jindal also asked for a several-day notice to give people time to secure their property before evacuating. Full article.
LA activates Business Emergency Operations Center
The LA Business Emergency Operations Center, or LA BEOC, an annex to the State Emergency Operations Center, is now activated to prepare for Mississippi River flooding and related impacts. Louisiana's businesses are strongly encouraged to register with the LA BEOC portal -- www.labeoc.org -- so that they can participate in the process and have a voice in the state's preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Full information.
Mississippi River still rising - Bonnet Carre spillway floodgates open
The Army Corps of Engineers opened the first floodgates at the Bonnet Carre spillway upriver from New Orleans on Monday, May 9, 2011. Shortly after 8 a.m. CDT, workers pulled restraining devices off the first of 28 bays that will be opened. The structure has 350 bays and the corps has said it will monitor Mississippi River levels before deciding whether more will be opened. The corps also has asked for permission to open the Morganza spillway north of Baton Rouge. Full article.
Gov. Jindal warns of flooding, activates National Guard
Gov. Jindal issued warnings that people whose homes and land are in the Morganza Spillway north and west of Baton Rouge or the Bonnet Carre Spillway should prepare to evacuate if floodgates are opened. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will open Bonnet Carre Spillway gates one at a time, on May 9 to relieve some of the pressure on levees. Full article.
Vidalia working to protect riverfront from flood threat
Many Vidalia residents are evacuating, due to rising water level of the Mississippi River and concern that the levee will not provide enough protection. Officials say Vidalia won't flood unless the levee breaks, but they are constructing an "instant levee" from sand to try to protect the riverfront property on the river side of the levee. Full article
Mississippi River flood preparations continue
LA & MS agencies continue preparations for the expected cresting of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Multiple agencies are working in a proactive strengthening operation of the Mississippi River levee south of Louisiana State University. Governor Jindal: "The Mississippi and Atchafalaya River levels are expected to increase for the next three weeks and that's why it's critical that we take steps right away to reinforce levee systems so we can protect communities from potential flooding…” Full article.
Mississippi River rising fast
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently warned that the Mississippi River in North and Central Louisiana is expected to swell above the 1973 and 2008 flood levels next month, swamping everything from farmland to camps on the unprotected side of the 5th Louisiana Levee District. Heavy rain in the Ohio Valley is draining into the river and tributaries, and making its way south. Full article.
