Atchafalaya projected to crest at 8 feet March 23

The National Weather Service is now predicting that the Atchafalaya River will crest at 8 feet March 23 in Morgan City, meteorologist Jared Rackley said Wednesday. The river was previously projected to crest at 7.5 feet, but forecasters updated that projection.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum issued a high water advisory Wednesday for the parish.

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, the river was at 6.85 feet in Morgan City and is projected to reach 7.4 feet by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Even with the new projected crest, officials don't have any plans to close Bayou Chene in Amelia, St. Mary Levee District Executive Director Tim Matte said.

The levee district is working with St. Mary Parish government to identify low spots in Amelia and working on a strategy to keep water out of those areas, Matte said.

Morgan City officials have closed floodgates at Freret Street, Railroad Avenue, Eco Serve, Brashear Avenue north and Shell Oil dock.

Based on the projected 8-foot crest, Morgan City officials plan to close three more gates including Brashear Avenue east gate and two P.M.I. gates.

In Berwick, the First Street floodgate remains closed, and officials planned to close the Gus Street gate Thursday.

According to a sheriff's office news release, travel is prohibited on all levee roads, crowns, slopes, and bases. Those trespassing by riding or crossing on levees in areas not designated for public use are subject to criminal penalties. Any vehicles parked in those areas will be towed. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office will work with the St. Mary Levee District to protect the integrity of the levee system.

Because of the higher level of the Atchafalaya River and surrounding waterways, there is the potential for property damage to occur from wakes caused by boats. Boaters in areas of high water should slow down. Be mindful of your wake and the potential damage you could cause, the sheriff stated.

Commercial traffic will operate under high water restrictions as issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, the release said.