The Mississippi River is rising and could bring flooding to the Baton Rouge area. By May 24th, levels in Baton Rouge alone are expected to reach about 41 feet.
“Residents in of Baton Rouge also need to listen to their local elected officials and their levee districts up there. And be ready to react. Its really important that all individuals have a plan in place. And be ready to react if needed,” said Rene Poche with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Poche said while weather is subject to change, proper precautions are being taken.
” Right now the river here in New Orleans is 14.27 feet. which puts us in a Phase 1 Flood zone from Baton Rouge south. We are expecting the river to go above 15 feet this weekend, which will puts us in phase two of Flood Fight. Based on all of those numbers we don’t see the need to operate the Morganza or Bonnet Carre Spillway at this time,” said Poche.
Poche also said, “Keep in mind weather conditions can change that’s why we monitor the system and do all of the inspections we can because the river is going to do what it wants to do.”