NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened part of a massive flood control structure Wednesday as the state prepared to deal with high water on the Mississippi and Red rivers, as well as other waterways.
Jindal's office said he and Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards would attend a meeting of the state's Unified Command Group to get updates on potential flooding and to discuss preparations. Edwards, a Democrat, will succeed Jindal, a term-limited Republican, on Jan. 11.
A news release from the Corps said the Old River Overbank Structure was being opened Wednesday, ahead of rising water levels. It is part of the Old River Control Complex that distributes water between the Mississippi and the Atchafalaya rivers.
The National Weather Service said the Mississippi had already reached flood stage at Red River Landing in rural Point Coupee Parish, an area where camps and farmland were likely to be affected. The river was forecast to reach flood stage at Baton Rouge by Monday and reach 44 feet, well above the 35-foot flood stage there, by Jan. 19. The city is protected by levees, but flooding of low-lying areas was expected.
At New Orleans, also protected by levees, the Mississippi was expected to reach 17 feet by Jan. 9. At that level, the water would likely be moving at a rate that would prompt officials to open the Bonnet Carre spillway. That would send water into Lake Pontchartrain, easing pressure on levees and diminishing the effect of high waters and swift currents on navigation.
In Caddo and Bossier parishes, emergency officials said the Red at Shreveport was expected to crest Sunday at 31 feet, slightly above flood stage.
Bossier authorities told residents along Lake Bistineau that the lake will rise and people with property in low-lying areas should prepare for minor flooding.
– by AP Reporter Kevin McGill
