June 16, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. At the Bonnet Carre Spillway structure, USACE closed an additional 40 bays on June 15 for a total of 190/350 bays open currently. The current flow rate through the structure is 100,000 cfs. The last bay of the Morganza Floodway will remain open to assist in draining the forebay (area between the structure and the normal channel of the Mississippi River). Based on the current forecasts, USACE expects this bay to remain open into July. The current flow rate through the Morganza Floodway is 6,100 cfs.
June 15, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. At the Bonnet Carre Spillway structure, USACE closed an additional 30 bays on June 14 for a total of 230/350 bays open currently. The current flow rate through the structure is 102,000 cfs. USACE is not closing the last bay at the Morganza Floodway. The last bay will remain open to assist in draining the forebay (area between the structure and the normal channel of the Mississippi River). Based on the current forecasts, USACE expects this bay to remain open into July. The current flow rate through the Morganza Floodway is 6,100 cfs.
June 14, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. Flows on the Mississippi River at Red River Landing have dropped below the operational trigger of 1,250,000 cfs. As a result, USACE continues to close floodgates on the Bonnet Carre Spillway; 280 bays remain open with a flow rate of 1,320,000. Additional bays will be closed each day until the structure is closed; full closure is expected within the next two weeks. USACE continues to close Morganza Floodway; one bay will remain open (flow rate of 7,300 cfs) until mid July to assist draining the forebay (area between the structure and the normal channel of the Mississippi River).
June 13, 2011: Flows on the Mississippi River at Red River Landing have dropped below the operational trigger of 1,250,000 cfs. As a result USACE continues to close floodgates on the Bonnet Carre Spillway; 280 bays remain open with a flow rate of 1,320,000. Additional bays will be closed each day until the structure is closed; full closure is expected within the next two weeks. USACE continues to close Morganza Floodway; one bay will remain open (flow rate of 7,300 cfs) until mid July to assist draining the forebay (area between the structure and the normal channel of the Mississippi River).
June 10, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. Ongoing flooding continues along lower Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, however, water levels are slowly falling.
Louisiana
The USACE continues to close Morganza Floodway Control Structure bays. There are currently 2 out of 125 bays open. The Bonnet Carre Spillway has 330 out of 350 bays open.
June 9, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed.
Ongoing flooding continues along lower Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers; however, water levels are slowly falling.
Louisiana
USACE continues to close Morganza Floodway Control Structure bays; there are 2 out of 125 bays open. The Bonnet Carre Spillway has 330 out of 350 bays open.
June 8, 2011: USACE continues to monitor water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. The crest of the Mississippi River has subsided due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway which currently has 330/350 bays open, and the Morganza Floodway which currently has 5/125 bays open. Bays will continue to be closed as flows on the main stem Mississippi River dictate. The Morganza Floodway is projected to close once the river level reaches the sill elevation of the floodway. Full closure of the floodway is currently projected between the 9th and 10th, but is contingent on the river level continuing to decline. The Bonnet Carre will remain open thru at least the end of the month based upon current levels in the system
Louisiana
Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish.
June 7, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. The crest of the Mississippi River has subsided due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway which currently has 330/350 bays open, and the Morganza Floodway which currently has 7/125 bays open. Bays will continue to be closed as flows on the main stem Mississippi River dictate. The Morganza Floodway is projected to close on June 7th. The Bonnet Carre will remain open thru at least the end of the month based upon current levels in the system
Louisiana
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Happy Town, Sherburne, in St, Martin Parish. Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish. Residents in the Atchafalaya Acres Subdivision will be under a boil water advisory until further notice.
June 6, 2011: USACE continues monitoring water levels throughout the Mississippi River and Tributary System, providing flood fighting measures as needed. The crest of the Mississippi River has subsided due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway which currently has 330/350 bays open, and the Morganza Floodway which currently has 7/125 bays open. Bays will continue to be closed as flows on the main stem Mississippi River dictate. The Morganza Floodway is projected to close on June 7th. The Bonnet Carre is remaining open thru at least the end of the month based upon current levels in the system
Louisiana
Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish.
June 3, 2011: The Mississippi River USACE continues to monitor and coordinate flood fight measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. 9 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway; gates are expected to close as flows on the mainstem of the Mississippi River dictate. 330 of the 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway; the spillway will maintain 330 bays open until further notice.
Louisiana
In St. Landry Parish, mandatory evacuations were lifted for residents and livestock east of the levee. Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for residents south of Hwy 190, the Three Mile Lake and North Wilderness Road areas. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions St. Martin’s Parish. A Boil Water Advisory has been ordered until further notice for Atchafalaya Acres Subdivision in St. Martin Parish. The Angola prison will be re open on June 6. Harvest areas 1-7 have been closed to oyster fishing due to freshwater intrusion. National Guard (1,150 personnel) is activated.
June 2, 2011: Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish and St. Martin’s Parish. The Angola prison will be re open on June 6. Harvest areas 1-7 have been closed to oyster fishing due to freshwater intrusion.
June 1, 2011: USACE is monitoring the situation and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system.
Louisiana
10 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway. Estimated date which USACE will close the floodway structure is June 5-7 (assuming no additional rainfall). 330 of the 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) is anticipated to remain open another one to two weeks. Estimated closure is by the end of June (assuming no additional rainfall). Mandatory evacuations are in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish and reinstated for portions of St. Martin’s Parish. A large sand boil was discovered approximately 5 miles south of St. Joseph, LA. It is approximately 13 feet across and 18+ feet deep. The boil is approximately 700 feet from the toe of the levee.The sandboil is monitored 24/7 by the NG. The sand bag dams up and downstream of the boil have ponded 4 feet of water and currently stabilized the situation.
May 31, 2011: USACE is monitoring the situation and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system.
Louisiana
10 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway. Estimated date which USACE will close the floodway structure is June 4-7 (assuming no additional rainfall). 330 of the 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) is anticipated to remain open another one to two weeks. Estimated closure is by the end of June (assuming no additional rainfall). Mandatory evacuations are in effect for portions of St. Landry Parish and reinstated for portions of St. Martin’s Parish. A large sand boil was discovered approximately 5 miles south of St. Joseph, LA. It is approximately 13 feet across and 18+ feet deep. The boil is approximately 700 feet from the toe of the levee.
Mississippi
There is 1 shelter are open with no occupants.
May 27, 2011: USACE is monitoring the situation and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system.
Louisiana
12 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway. Estimated date which USACE will close the floodway structure is June 4-7 (assuming no additional rainfall).
330 of 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) is anticipated to remain open another one to two weeks. Estimated closure is by the end of June (assuming no additional rainfall).
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for portions of St. Landry and St. Martins’ Parishes.
To date, LA GOHSEP estimates at least 1,230 structures in 13 parishes have been affected by flood waters. These structures include 24 commercial structures and 1,204 residential structures, including camps.
Morgan City Health Care Center completed transferring 18 of its residents with higher care needs to its sister facility, Franklin Health Care Center as of May 25, 2011. The evacuation began Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Sixty residents remain at the Morgan City Health Care Center.
Mississippi
3 shelters are open; 28 occupants
May 26, 2011: USACE is monitoring the situation and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system.
Louisiana
The EOC is at Level III (Partial Activation). 17 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway. 330 of 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) is anticipated to remain open another one to two weeks.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for portions of St Landry and St Martins’ Parishes. Morgan City Health Care nursing home in St Mary’s Parish is evacuating 18 residents in needing a higher level of care
Mississippi
3 shelters are open; 28 occupants.
May 25, 2011: Moderate to Major flood crests have been reached and will continue on through May 29, 2011, depending on location. USACE continues to monitor the crest and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. Gages below Morganza have crested and are expected to remain at crest/current levels for another week. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
17 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway.
330 of 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) and they are anticipated to remain open for another one to two weeks. Mandatory evacuations were reinstated for Butte La Rose, Happy Town and LA 975 (Sherburne Wildlife area) of St. Martin Parish on May 24, 2011. 90% of the population has already evacuated. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for St. Landry Parish for residents living on the east side of the levee. Mandatory evacuations have been lifted for residents in areas south of Highway 190, the Three Mile Lake area, and the North Wilderness Road area but these areas will remain under voluntary evacuation until further notice. No shelters are open but ARC has shelters on standby if requested. The State has identified sufficient shelter capacity to meet anticipated needs.
The Port Allen Lock, Old River Lock, Port Allen and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) alternate route, and Bayou Chene from Bayou Penchant to the GIWW, are closed. Amtrak service between New Orleans and Chicago resumed on May 20, 2011. The route between Cairo, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee has been closed since April 26, 2011.
Mississippi
Four shelters are open with 31 occupants. There is one confirmed fatality. 4,523 power outages were reported statewide. Five DRCs are open in Tunica, Desoto, Bolivar, Yazoo, and Wilkinson counties. Four water treatment plants remain non operational until water levels drop. The Yazoo County airport has re-opened.
May 24, 2011: Moderate to Major flood crests have been reached and will continue on through May 29, 2011, depending on location. USACE continues to monitor the crest and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. Gages below Morganza have crested and are expected to remain at crest/current levels for another week. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
17 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway.
330 of 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) and they are anticipated to remain open for another one to two weeks. Mandatory evacuations will be reinstated for Butte La Rose, Happy Town and LA 975 (Sherburne Wildlife area) of St. Martin Parish today, May 24, 2011. 90% of the population has already evacuated. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for St. Landry Parish for residents living on the east side of the levee. Mandatory evacuations have been lifted for residents in areas south of Highway 190, the Three Mile Lake area, and the North Wilderness Road area but these areas will remain under voluntary evacuation until further notice. No shelters are open but ARC has shelters on standby if requested. The State has identified sufficient shelter capacity to meet anticipated needs.
The Port Allen Lock, Old River Lock, Port Allen and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) alternate route, and Bayou Chene from Bayou Penchant to the GIWW, are closed. Amtrak service between New Orleans and Chicago resumed on May 20, 2011. The route between Cairo, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee has been closed since April 26, 2011.
Mississippi
Five shelters are open with 29 occupants. One fatality has been confirmed. 4,523 power outages were reported statewide. Seven MCOVs are operational across the state. Five DRCs are open in Tunica, Desoto, Bolivar, Yazoo, and Wilkinson counties. Four water treatment plants remain non operational until water levels drop. The Yazoo County airport has re-opened.
May 23, 2011: The Mississippi River is cresting at Red River Landing, LA. USACE continues to monitor the crest and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. Gages below Morganza have crested and are expected to remain at crest/current levels for the next two weeks. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
17 of 125 gates are open along the Morganza Floodway. 330 of 350 gates are open along the Bonnet Carre Spillway (100% capacity) and they are anticipated to remain open for 2 to 4 weeks. 1,766 power outages reported Statewide as of May 21, 2011.
Mandatory evacuations were issued for Happy Town and Sherburne Wildlife Areas of St. Martin Parish on May 21. The mandatory evacuation for Butte La Rose has been lifted to allow further flood fighting measures but will be re-evaluated today, May 23. 90% of the population has already evacuated. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions of Krotz Springs and Melville in St. Landry Parish. No shelters are open, but ARC has shelters on standby if requested. The State has identified sufficient shelter capacity to meet anticipated needs.
The US Coast Guard reported the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway has been closed and the Port Allen Lock is limited to daylight operations. The Bayou Chene waterway in St. Mary Parish, Atchafalaya River from mile marker (MM) 117 to MM00 are closed, and the lower Mississippi River near Baton Rouge from MM232 to MM237 is closed to all traffic due to a barge allison with a dock facility in Baton Rouge. The White Castle and Plaquemines ferries are out of service due to high water.
Mississippi
Five shelters are open with 30 occupants. 1 fatality has been confirmed. 4,523 power outages were reported Statewide. Numerous self-evacuations have occurred across the state. 5 DRCs are open in Tunica, Desoto, Bolivar, Yazoo, and Wilkinson counties. USACE will continue to monitor the entire MR&T system, with a focus on monitoring backwater flooding levee conditions near the Yazoo Basin. Four water treatment plants remain non operational. The Yazoo County airport remains closed.
May 20, 2011: The Mississippi River crest continues to move south. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to monitor the crest and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. New Orleans is expected to remain at near the current level for the next two weeks. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
The EOC is at Level III (Partial Activation). Seventeen (+1) of 125 gates are currently open along the Morganza Floodway. Three hundred and thirty of 350 gates are open on the Bonnet Carre Spillway that empties the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and is anticipated to remain open for 2 to 4 weeks. There are 3,900 residents that may require sheltering. Twenty-two 22 shelters are on standby with the capacity to house over 8,200 occupants. Thirty-four parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency.
In the Morgan City Region of Louisiana, the ports of Bayou Chene, Berwick and Morgan City are closed. The New Orleans Region, the Atchafalaya River and the Port Allen –Morgan City route are closed. The Port of Baton Rouge remains open with restrictions.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for Krotz Springs and Melville communities outside of the ring levee. Voluntary evacuations are in place for the remainder of the low lying areas in St. Landry Parish. Mandatory evacuations will be issued for St. Martin Parish beginning May 21, 2011.
Mississippi
Seven shelters are open with 49 occupants. Seven MCOVs are operational across the state. USACE will continue to monitor the entire MR&T system with a focus on monitoring backwater flooding levee conditions near Yazoo Basin in the vicinity of Vicksburg Port of Natchez. The requested commodities are en route to the staging area in Verona, Mississippi. All 24 ports of the lower Mississippi River region are now open with restrictions. The Vicksburg Airport is now open with restrictions and the Yazoo County airport remains closed.
May 19, 2011: The Mississippi River crest is slowly working south. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to monitor the crest southward down the Mississippi River and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system with increased focus on conditions in southern Louisiana. New Orleans is expected to remain at near the current level for the next two weeks. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
There are 16 (+1) of 125 gates currently open along the Morganza Floodway. The release of water from the Morganza Spillway is moving slower than anticipated through the Atchafalaya River Basin. Three hundred and thirty-three of 350 gates are open on the Bonnet Carre Spillway that empties the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and is anticipated to remain open for 2 to 4 weeks. Approximately 3,900 residents may require sheltering. Twenty-two shelters are on standby with the capacity to house over 8,200 occupants. The majority of residents are expected to stay with friends and family. Thirty-four parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency.
The Port Allen- Morgan City port is closed and the Port of Baton Rouge is open with restrictions. Planning and preparations are underway for evacuations downstream from the Morganza Spillway. Mandatory evacuations are in place for Krotz Springs and Melville communities outside of the ring levee in St. Landry Parish. Voluntary evacuations are in place for the remainder of the low lying areas in St. Landry Parish. Mandatory evacuations will be issued for St. Martin Parish beginning May 21, 2011.
Mississippi
Seven shelters are open with 75 occupants. USACE will continue to monitor the entire MR&T system with a focus on monitoring backwater flooding levee conditions near Yazoo Basin in the vicinity of the Vicksburg Port at Natchez. Requested commodities are en route to the staging area in Verona, Mississippi. The Port of Natchez remains is closed. Twenty-three out of the remaining 24 ports of the Lower Mississippi River region are open with restrictions. The Vicksburg Airport was scheduled to reopen May 18, 2011. The Yazoo County airport remains closed. (Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 18, 2011: The Mississippi River crest is slowly working south. USACE continues to monitor the crest southward down the Mississippi River and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system with increased focus on conditions in southern Louisiana. New Orleans is expected to remain at near the current level for the next two weeks. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
15 (+4) of 125 gates are currently open along the Morganza Floodway. 330 of 350 gates are open on the Bonnet Carre Spillway that empties the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and is anticipated to remain open for 2 to 4 weeks.
Approximately 3,900 residents may require sheltering. There are 22 shelters on standby with the capacity to house over 8,200 occupants. The majority of residents are expected to stay with friends and family. 34 parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for St. Landry Parish and voluntary evacuations remain in place for St Mary, St Martin, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Assumption and Ascension Parishes. Evacuations of Angola Prison in West Feliciana Parish were completed on May 16, 2011. No further evacuations are anticipated. 17 hospitals and 11 nursing homes are at a high risk of flooding and 4 healthcare facilities have been evacuated.
Approximately 700 Guardsmen have been mobilized and teams are deployed to 19 affected parishes.
Mississippi
There are seven shelters open with 73 occupants. The Port of Natchez remains closed. An additional 23 out of 24 total ports and the Port of Baton Rouge are open with restrictions within the Lower Mississippi River region. Only 2 out of 12 stations serviced by the Columbus and Greenville Railway in Greenville are open due to high water. The Natchez Railroad is out of service between Buda and Natchez. The Yazoo County airport remains closed.
Tennessee
There is one confirmed fatality due to flooding Crocket County. Six shelters are open with 540 occupants. (Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 17, 2011: The Mississippi River crest is slowly working south. USACE continues to monitor the crest southward down the Mississippi River and continues flood fighting measures throughout the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system with increased focus on conditions in southern Louisiana. New Orleans is expected to remain at near the current level for the next two weeks. The River is forecast to fall below flood stage on May 27.
Louisiana
All affected State agencies and parishes have taken precautions to prepare for the impending flood. To date, 33 parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency. Mandatory evacuations are in place for St. Landry Parish.
Voluntary evacuations are in place for St Mary, St Martin, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Assumption and Ascension Parishes. Six hundred and seventy-three homes were visited by the sheriff’s deputies and the Louisiana National Guard. Sixty-nine homeowners refused to leave on Sunday, May 15 (est. 9% of the population).
American Red Cross (ARC) and Louisiana have confirmed that there is adequate sheltering capacity and resources.
Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T)
As of May 16, 330 of the 350 spillway bays are now open for the Bonnet Carre Spillway and 11 gates are open for the Morganza Floodway.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Seventeen hospitals and 11 nursing homes have been identified as being within the Morganza Floodway. One nursing home has closed and one nursing home has transferred patients to other facilities but remains open.
Voluntary agencies
Second Harvest and St. Landry United Way are stocking food pantries, and Catholic Charities is on standby. The Volunteer Center is asking for volunteers to put on standby. Phone help lines have been established and are fielding calls.
Mississippi
As of May 16, 6 shelters are open with 58 occupants. Several major state and rural roads are closed due to flooding. Shipping terminals in the Ports of Rosedale, Yazoo County, Claiborne County, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Natchez, Mississippi are limiting traffic to traveling up the Mississippi due to inundation or high water. Kinder Morgan terminals are operating normally even though dock operations have been suspended. The Port of Natchez is closed due to high water.
Construction is underway to install 75 feet of temporary levee to extend the existing levee to the bluff across the Natchez railroad. This will provide levee integrity across the entire industrial park to 67 foot river stage.The Yazoo County airport is closed. The Vicksburg Southern Rail (VSOR Vicksburg Port) Line south toward Letourneau and north toward Redwood is closed. Wastewater plants at Bolivar (Pace Waste Water Plant), Tunica (Robinsonville Waste Water Plant), Claiborne (Port Gibson Waste Water Plant) and Issaquena (Mayersvile Waste Water Plant) counties are non-operational until water level drops.The multi-agency Sheltering Task Force is continuing to provide subject matter expertise in support of shelter operations.
Shelter assessment teams have been deployed to assess present and potential needs for the general population with an emphasis on populations with access and functional needs, children, household pets and service animals.The Evacuees Strike Team continues to provide information and coordination in nonmedical mass care required for evacuations, including housing and human services. A state counterpart was expected to be assigned to the strike team on May 16.
Power /Electrical / Gas
The number of customers that remain without power remains at 3,119. The Grand Gulf Nuclear Plant is operational with no projected impacts. A 500kv line between Grand Gulf and Baxter Wilson Power Plants and other energy infrastructure are submerged and are offline. Entergy has installed water barriers at selected electric substations to mitigate the effect of rising waters. The Baxter Wilson Power Plant (Entergy) in Vicksburg (Warren County) is not available and is rerouting power to avoid customer power delivery impacts. To avoid gas ruptures from a barge breakaway, vendors supplying natural gas to casino barges along the river have disconnected gas lines from barges
Tennessee
There are three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Shelby County; one additional fixed DRC is open in Shelby County. As of COB May 15, 169 people have visited the three DRCs. On May 16, the three MCOVs supporting the shelters in Shelby County moved to northwest Tennessee to provide support for the DRCs opening in Lake Obion and Dyer counties. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is supporting operations in all DRCs. Five Joint TEMA-State Community Relations (CR) teams are conducting outreach in west Tennessee. There is one confirmed fatality due to flooding in west Tennessee (Crocket County).
As of May 16, there are 6 shelters open with 515 occupants. (Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 16, 2011: Mississippi Valley Flooding
A record breaking flood wave continues to travel south along the Mississippi river, with significant impacts expected in the Atchafalaya and the Lower Mississippi River Basin.
The Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish has been partially opened to reduce the level of flooding on the Mississippi River. As of May 15, USACE reported a total of nine gates were open on the Morganza Spillway in order to maintain a flow of 1.5 million cubic feet per second (cfs) below the floodway. On the Bonnie Carre Spillway there are 300 of 350 gates open at this time.
Louisiana
To date, 33 parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency. All affected State agencies and parishes have taken precautions to prepare for the impending flood.
In St. Landry Parish, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued. Meanwhile, voluntary evacuation orders remain in effect for the parishes of Assumption, Catahoula, Iberia, Iberville, LaSalle, Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, St. Mary, and West Baton Rouge. At this time, no shelters are populated. Many parishes have shelters on standby until the need arises.
In St. Landry Parish, the National Guard is assisting Parish and Department of Transportation personnel with improving levees. They have constructed approximately 10,000 Linear Feet (LF) of HESCO barriers and Super Sand Bags through the parish. In St. Mary Parish, the National Guard has constructed approximately 18,000 LF of HESCO barriers to fortify and elevate levees along Lake Palourde to prevent backwater flooding in Morgan City and Amelia. Approximately 23,000 LF of HESCO barriers have been constructed in Morgan City, Amelia and Sircusaville.
The National Guard will continue to support the 5th Levee District's efforts to monitor levees, distribute equipment and supplies, and to fortify levees in East Carroll, Madison, Tensas, and Concordia Parishes.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation has delivered 57,406 sandbags. 34 super sacks to keep water from flowing into a pump station.
The Louisiana's Department of Corrections is providing offender work crews to support local sandbagging operations.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has authorized Medicaid recipients in affected areas to obtain up to a 30-day supply of prescriptions. The department has identified 17 hospitals and 11 nursing homes that are at a high-risk of flooding and 2 hospitals at moderate risk of flooding. The department is in the process of verifying that each at risk facility has adequate emergency response plans in place.
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting over flights of the river and standing by to assist with evacuations, pollution response and search and rescue.
Coast Guard Disaster Assistance Response Teams are prepositioned in high flood threat areas. These teams consist of six member teams with expertise in shallow water operations and urban environments. The teams specialize in using various rescue and communications equipment, and supplies.
The Coast Guard continues to coordinate all potential actions with River Industry Executive Task Force, New Orleans Port Coordination Team and Lower Mississippi River Commission.
Mississippi
There are 120 road closures being reported, due to flooding. As of May 15,American Red Cross the (ARC) reports 6 shelters open with 49 occupants.
Tennessee
As of May 15, the American Red Cross (ARC) reports 6 shelters open with 488 occupants. (Situation Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 13, 2011: Mississippi Valley Flooding
Louisiana
The LA EOC is activated at Level III (Modified Activation). To date, 32 parishes have declared a Parish State of Emergency. All affected State agencies and parishes are taking precautions deemed necessary to prepare for the impending flood. Several parishes have instituted voluntary evacuations, but there are no mandatory evacuations in effect.
Heavy flooding could disrupt refinery operations along the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. There are 10 refineries located along the Mississippi River that can process 2.4 million barrels of oil per day, which equates to 13.7 percent of the nations refining capacity.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened 160 of the 350 bays on the Bonnet Carre Spillway and it is expected to reach full discharge in the next several days.
The Morganza Spillway may be opened if the flow reaches a rate of 1.5 million cubic feet per second. The current flow rate is 1.36 million cubic feet per second.No decision has been made to operate the Morganza Floodway.
The Coast Guard is conducting river over flights and standing by to assist with evacuations if the Morganza Spillway is opened.
The Louisiana National Guard has approximately 500 soldiers deployed to 19 affected parishes. They are prepared to support the parishes by conducting door-to-door notifications to evacuate and with levee inspections. High-water vehicles have been staged in the affected parishes and they have started constructing 13,000 feet of HESCO barrier to fortify and elevate levees along Lake Palourde to prevent backwater flooding in Morgan City and Amelia.
The Department of Health and Hospitals has contacted 17 hospitals and 11 nursing homes to discuss and plan for possible evacuations. Also, they are in the process of contacting every in-home nursing service recipient in the 21 affected parishes to ensure they are prepared for evacuation. The American Red Cross of southeastern Louisiana remains prepared and ready to assists with any shortfalls.
Mississippi
Eight counties remain under a Local Emergency.
Mississippi National Guard Liaison Teams are deployed to 5 counties to provide assistance with preventing any potential backwater levee breaches. Vicksburg Southern Railroad has suspended operations and various local roadways are closed. As of May 12, the ARC reports 4 shelters open with 25 occupants.
Tennessee
One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 12, the American Red Cross ARC reports 8 shelters open with 534 occupants.
Kentucky
One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 12, theAmerican Red Cross (ARC) reports 4 shelters open with 35 occupants.
May 12, 2011: Major to record flooding is expected along the Mississippi River over the course of the next two to three weeks.
Kentucky
One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 11, the American Red Cross ARC reports 4 shelters open with 33 occupants.
Tennessee
(Major Disaster) for severe weather and flooding response. As of May 11, the ARC reports 8 shelters open with 509 occupants.
Illinois
Voluntary evacuation orders are still in effect for several southern municipalities. Evacuations have been lifted for the city of Cairo, IL. As of May 11, the American Red Cross (ARC) reports 10 shelters open with 232 occupants.
Arkansas
Flooding continues along White, Black, and Mississippi Rivers. The westbound lanes of I-40 have re-opened between Memphis, TN and Little Rock, AR. As of May 11, there are 10 shelters open with 86 occupants.
Louisiana
Six parishes have instituted voluntary evacuations.
The Morganza Spillway will be opened, if the threshold reaches a flow rate of 1.5 million cubic feet per second. The current flow rate is 1.36 million cubic feet per second; threshold could be reached as early as May 14. There are about 2,500 people located inside the Morganza Spillway and 2,000 structures. In the backwater area, there are about 22,500 people and 11,000 structures that would be impacted by the spillway opening. Roughly, three days after opening the Morganza Spillway, the water will reach the Morgan City area and about five days after reaching Morgan City, the water will begin causing backwater flooding.
May 11, 2011: Major to record flooding is expected along the Mississippi River over the course of the next two to three weeks.
Tennessee
The Mississippi River levees in the Memphis area are performing as designed. Some areas of Memphis are experiencing backwater flooding. These affected parts are in low-lying areas prone to flooding, not protected by the federal levee system. Downtown Memphis is expected to remain largely dry. As the river crests, authorities report that no additional areas are expected to see serious flooding as levees continue to hold. As of May 10, the American Red Cross reports seven shelters open with 489 occupants.
Kentucky
One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 10, the Red Cross reports seven shelters open with 28 occupants.
Illinois
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions of Alexander County. Voluntary evacuation orders are still in effect for several municipalities. As of May 10, the Red Cross reports four shelters open with 206 occupants.
Arkansas
Flooding continues along White, Black, and Mississippi Rivers. Several roads along the White River remain closed, including I-40 east of Little Rock, Ark. USACE Little Rock District is engaged in flood fighting in the White Rivers and Black River basins in southern Missouri and Arkansas. The district’s reservoir operations and assistance to local levee boards have dramatically reduced flood damages at a number of towns in the region. As of May 10, there are nine shelters open with 146 occupants.
Louisiana
USACE may need to operate the Morganza Floodway, which will require evacuation of people and livestock for communities within the Atchafalaya River Basin. Today, around 3:00 pm CDT a decision will be as to whether or not the Morganza Spillway will be opened. The state is concerned about the potential opening of the Morganza Spillway (Pointe Coupe Parish) in east central Louisiana and the impacts that will have on the communities of Morgan City (St. Mary Parish) and Houma (Terrebonne Parish).
Missouri
As of May 10, there are five shelters open with 81 occupants. (Situation Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 10, 2011: The Mississippi River flood crest is now approaching Memphis, Tennessee where it is expected to be within inches of record flood stage. The crest will proceed downstream through the Lower Mississippi Basin towards New Orleans, Louisiana during the next two weeks, with major to record flooding expected.
Kentucky
Approximately 3,000 individuals have been evacuated from the cities of Hickman, Ledbetter and Smithland; the KY National Guard is assisting with sandbagging operations. One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 9, the American Red Cross (ARC) reports 7 shelters open with 35 occupants.
Tennessee
One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. More than 150 people are on the ground, patrolling the local levees to ensure their continued integrity, identifying potential problem areas early and dealing with them quickly. The Mississippi River levees in the Memphis area are performing as designed. The crest is projected to pass Memphis on today. Some areas of Memphis are experiencing backwater flooding; that is the water that would normally drain into the river but cannot because of the river’s high water levels. These affected parts are in low-lying areas prone to flooding, not protected by the federal levee system. As of May 9, the ARC reports 10 shelters open with 395 occupants.
Illinois
The IL SEOC is activated at Level III. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions of Alexander County. Voluntary evacuation orders are still in effect for 20 southern municipalities. As of May 9, the ARC reports 5 shelters open with 213 occupants.
Indiana
As of May 9, the ARC reports 2 shelters open with 5 occupants.
Arkansas
Flooding continues along White, Black, and Mississippi Rivers. Multiple roads are flooded at White River crossings including I-40 east of Little Rock, AR. The district’s reservoir operations and assistance to local levee boards have dramatically reduced flood damages in a number of towns in the region. As of May 9, there are 11 shelters open with 160 occupants.
Louisiana
To date, 24 Parishes have declared a State of Emergency. On May 9, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway and no issues have been reported. The spillway takes pressure off New Orleans area levees by diverting the water toward the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.
USACE may need to operate the Morganza Floodway, which will require the evacuation of people and livestock for communities within the Atchafalaya River Basin. No decision has been made at this time with respect to the Morganza Spillway. The State is concerned about the potential opening of the Morganza Spillway (Pointe Coupe Parish) in east central Louisiana and the impacts that will have on the communities of Morgan City (St. Mary Parish) and Houma (Terrebonne Parish).
Missouri
As of May 9, there are 5 shelters are open with 83 occupants. (Situation Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 9, 2011: Due to recent heavy rains across the Middle Mississippi River Valley and the Ohio River Valley, runoff will cause most of the central and lower Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River to reach record levels next week. Historic flood levels have been set at many locations, and more records are anticipated as the crest continues to move south.
Kentucky
There are 75 counties and 33 cities with declared States of Emergency. Approximately 3,000 individuals have been evacuated from the cities of Hickman, Ledbetter and Smithland; the KY National Guard is assisting with sandbagging operations. One fatality has been reported as a result of flooding. As of May 8, the ARC reports 5 shelters open with 39 occupants.
Tennessee
The City of Rives and Moscow sewage systems are inoperable. Approximately 65 homes at the U.S. Navy facility in Millington remain under mandatory evacuation due to flooding. As of May 8, the ARC reports 5 shelters open with 369 occupants. Tennessee has requested 10 regular Mobile Homes that are expected to be staged at Harrison Bay State Park May 10.
Illinois
States of Emergency have been declared in 12 counties. The Ohio River at Cairo (Alexander County) is currently at 58.3 ft (major flood stage) and receding. Since May 2, the river has receded 3.5ft.
No HAZMAT incidents have been reported. Power, water, wastewater treatment plants in Cairo have been shutdown. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for portions of Alexander County.
Voluntary evacuation orders are still in effect for 10 southern municipalities. Boil water orders remain in effect for the cities of Olive Branch, McClure and East Cape. The wastewater treatment facility in Murphysboro is out of service until water levels recede. No fatalities and one injury reported.
As of May 8, the ARC reports 5 shelters open with 222 occupants. No significant power outages have been reported.
Indiana
States of Emergency have been declared in 23 counties. Flood waters in Gibson County are threatening a levee that protects the communities and hundreds of acres of farmland. Local officials determined a levee break or major overflow would impact the underground mine. As of May 8, the ARC reports 2 shelters open with 3 occupants.
Arkansas
Flooding continues along White, Black, and Mississippi Rivers. The mandatory evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents continues in Woodruff County. Boil Water orders are in effect in 16 counties. 11 (unconfirmed) fatalities and 12 injuries have been reported.
As of May 8, there are 12 shelters open with 235 occupants.
Louisiana
To date, 21 Parishes have declared a State of Emergency. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has announced that they will open the Bonnet Carre spillway on May 9. The spillway takes pressure off New Orleans area levees by diverting the water toward the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. The Corps may need to operate the Morganza Floodway, which will require evacuation of people and livestock for communities within the Atchafalaya River Basin. No decision has been made at this time with respect to the Morganza Spillway. The State is concerned about the potential opening of the Morganza Spillway (Pointe Coupe Parish) in east central Louisiana and the impacts that will have on the communities of Morgan City (St. Mary Parish) and Houma (Terrebonne Parish). USACE of the Louisiana Levee District will use approximately 18,000 linear feet of HESCO barriers to protect the Vidalia riverfront area The Governor has ordered a phase-one evacuation of Angola State Penitentiary (West Feliciana Parish) located along the river. The evacuation is expected to begin Monday May 9.
Missouri
As of May 8, there are 5 shelters are open with 91 occupants. (Situation Report courtesy of FEMA)
May 6, 2011: Due to recent heavy rains across the Middle Mississippi River Valley and the Ohio River Valley, runoff will cause most of the central and lower Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River to reach record levels next week.
Illinois
Voluntary evacuations are ongoing in Alexander, Galllatin, Hardin, Massac, Pope and Pulaski Counties. Sandbagging operations continue in the City of Metropolis, Karnack, Cairo, Olive Branch and Old Shawnee Town. The counties of Franklin, Jackson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Alexander, Union, White, Hardin and Williamson have declared emergencies. As of May 5, there are five shelters open with 235 occupants.
Birds Point – New Madrid Floodway
At approximately 3:35 p.m. EDT on May 5, the US Army Corp of Engineers detonated the last of three levee breaches in the Bird’s Point-New Madrid Floodway project near Dorena. This completes the project to open the floodway.
The Ohio River at Cairo is currently at 59.51 feet and receding; since operation of the Birds Point New Madrid (BPNM) Floodway on May 2, the river has receded 2.21 ft. The river is forecast to remain at this level for the next 48 hours. Record flood stage was 59.5 ft. Major flood stage is 53 ft. The City of Cairo (population 3,632) remains under a mandatory evacuation order.
Arkansas
Flooding continues along White, Black, and Mississippi Rivers. In Woodruff County, evacuations continue for approximately 1,000 residents in the Towns of Cotton Plant, Gregory, and McClelland due to flooding along the White River. Approximately 60% of the residents have self evacuated. As of May 5, there are 11 shelters are open across the with approximately 60 occupants.
Louisiana
The Governor requested an Emergency Declaration for 14 Parishes.
There is a high level of concern for future flooding along the lower Mississippi River Valley and the Atchafalaya River beginning the week of May 9 and extending through the end of May. The Governor has ordered a phase-one evacuation of Angola State Penitentiary located along the Mississippi River. The evacuation is expected to begin on Monday, May 9.
The Army Corp of Engineers may begin opening the Bonnet Carre spillway as early as next week. The spillway takes pressure off New Orleans area levees by diverting the water toward the Lake Ponchartrain Basin.
Missouri
As of May 4, there are 5 shelters are open with 57 occupants. (Situation Report courtesy of FEMA)
