Houma (January 5, 2016) - Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet has declared a state of emergency for Terrebonne Parish due to the developing threat of flooding from the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River. The state of emergency will allow the parish government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety, health and welfare needs of the citizens and property of Terrebonne Parish.

The Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has been monitoring the water level of the Atchafalaya River and participating in conference calls with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as well as meeting with the Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes Levee Districts, State elected officials, the National Weather Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Terrebonne Parish Public Works Division has begun preliminary operations to ensure that areas in Terrebonne Parish affected by the increased water levels from the Atchafalaya River are minimized.

The Atchafalaya River is expected to crest at 9.5 feet on January 23, 2016. This level could increase depending on the opening of the Morganza Flood Control Structure by the USACE. The USACE has NOT made a decision on the opening of the Morganza Flood Structure. Residents should continue to stay informed through local news media and the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security website (www.tohsep.com) to obtain the latest information available.

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View the State of Emergency Declaration - Potential Flooding from Mississippi River and Tributaries.

Additional Information

• Original Press Release