PRESIDENT COOPER OFFERS RIVER UPDATE REGARDING IDA

ST. TAMMANY, LA. – St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper is monitoring conditions in regard to Hurricane Ida, especially the following river conditions.

“Those who flooded in March 2016 should take extreme precaution and be vigilant in regard to Hurricane Ida and its possible impacts,” said Cooper. “While the impacts remain to be seen, we do know that residents near the following rivers should be vigilant. It’s important to note these are projections, but are cause for increased awareness.”

·   Tchefuncte River near Covington – The river is currently at normal stage (10.85 ft.). A rapid rise in the river is expected to begin around noon on Sunday and reaching moderate level flood stage Monday morning. The river is expected to raise approximately 18 ft. from Noon on Sunday to Noon on Monday. The projected river crest is at an elevation of 28 ft. by 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. The 28 ft. crest puts the river into Major flood stage. Residents may experience flooding in Camp Tchefuncte, lower properties in the Goodbee area, areas off Tantella Ranch Road, Flowers Estates, Old Landing and Riverbend Lane.

·  Bogue Falaya River at Boston Street – The river is currently at normal stage (3.54 ft). A rapid rise in the river is expected to begin at around 10 p.m. on Sunday and reach moderate flood stage at a crest of 15 ft. on Tuesday at 8 a.m. In Covington, flooding may take place on River Bend Road, Christ Episcopal School and Bogue Falaya Park. Water is also possible on LA 21 and E. Boston St.

·  Bogue Falaya River near Camp Covington -  The river is currently at normal stage (35.61 feet). A rapid rise in the river is expected to begin at Noon on Sunday and reach moderate flood stage at a crest of 56 ft. on Tuesday morning. Lower properties off Million Dollar Road and near St. Joseph Abbey will become threatened. Parts of Million Dollar Road near KC Camp Road should prepare for possible inundation.

·  Bogue Chitto near Bush – The river is currently at normal stage (4.38 feet). A rapid rise in river level is expected to begin at 10 p.m. Sunday and reach an almost Moderate flood stage of 14.5 feet Tuesday at 12 AM. Homes in low-lying areas on the upstream and downstream side of LA 21 Bridge near Bush and low-lying properties should prepare for possible flooding.

·  Pearl River near Pearl River –The river is currently at normal stage (9.46 feet). The river is expected to reach flood stage on Sunday night with a crest at 17.5 ft. on Monday around noon. Gum Bayou may back up and may cause flooding in the River Garden Subdivision. Subdivisions south of I-10 and east of Military Road will also be threatened with flooding.

Please monitor river levels, in addition to weather forecasts, local media and St. Tammany Parish social media accounts.