East Baton Rouge Parish is under a flood warning, despite the Mississippi River reaching its crest with minimal concern for levee overtopping following the opening of the Morganza Spillway.
William White, LEM Emergency Preparedness Specialist with the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the biggest threat to the Parish right now is seepage.
He said the threat of seepage will continue as the river remains at its 45 foot crest for seven to 10 days.
In addition to seepage, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the National Guard are monitoring the levees for possible weak points caused by the added pressure from high river levels, White said.
White said the lowest levee point in Baton Rouge was 47.3 feet, but has been extended to 50 feet with the installation of Tiger Dams — easing concerns for overtopping.
According to the Associated Press, a stretch of the Mississippi River at Baton Rouge was reopened to southbound vessels several days after three barges sank amid high water and fast currents. Traffic is being restricted in both directions, and at least 27 vessels were waiting Tuesday to move south.
The AP reports Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh underscored the need to keep a close eye on the levees: “We’re putting as much pressure on the system as it is designed to withstand.”
On campus, the University is continuing to monitor seepage and sand boils, particularly in areas west of Nicholson Drive, according to a news release the University issued Monday.
The release urged people on campus to report all instances of seepage, standing water and sand boils to Facility Services at 578-3186.
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East Baton Rouge under flood warning
May 16, 2011