Corps makes request to open Morganza Spillway
Reported by: Shelley Brown, Weekend Anchor
Email: sbrown@fox8tv.net
Contributor: Jon Turnipseed, Photographer
Last Update: 5/08 11:51 pm
The possibility of opening the Morganza Spillway for the first time in nearly 40 years is closer to becoming a reality. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has asked the Mississippi River Commission to open the spillway, Northwest of Baton Rouge, in addition to the Bonnet Carre, to relieve pressure along the river.
If it's granted, the Corps plans to open the Morganza Thursday. This could create water up to 25-feet deep in spots.
In Terrebonne Parish, low-lying areas in the Western end are vulnerable to flooding, up to five feet. Parish president Michel Claudet tells FOX 8 he's worried people don't realize what could happen. Claudet says there's a plan to sink a giant barge in Bayou Chene. Essentially, it would serve as a temporary dam to reduce the backflow of water into St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes. Bayous and creeks are already filling up and public works crews were out, looking for low areas to reinforce.
Opening the Morganza Spillway would require the evacuation of people and livestock in the Atchafalaya River Basin. About 30 miles Northwest of Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Parish is bracing for the worst. If the Morganza opens, the Corps projects possibly 25-feet of water in some areas.
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Reported by: Shelley Brown, Weekend Anchor
Email: sbrown@fox8tv.net
Contributor: Jon Turnipseed, Photographer
Last Update: 5/08 11:51 pm
The possibility of opening the Morganza Spillway for the first time in nearly 40 years is closer to becoming a reality. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has asked the Mississippi River Commission to open the spillway, Northwest of Baton Rouge, in addition to the Bonnet Carre, to relieve pressure along the river.
If it's granted, the Corps plans to open the Morganza Thursday. This could create water up to 25-feet deep in spots.
In Terrebonne Parish, low-lying areas in the Western end are vulnerable to flooding, up to five feet. Parish president Michel Claudet tells FOX 8 he's worried people don't realize what could happen. Claudet says there's a plan to sink a giant barge in Bayou Chene. Essentially, it would serve as a temporary dam to reduce the backflow of water into St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes. Bayous and creeks are already filling up and public works crews were out, looking for low areas to reinforce.
Opening the Morganza Spillway would require the evacuation of people and livestock in the Atchafalaya River Basin. About 30 miles Northwest of Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Parish is bracing for the worst. If the Morganza opens, the Corps projects possibly 25-feet of water in some areas.
More...
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