State of emergency declared in St. Martin Parish due to flood threat

St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars has declared a state of emergency for the parish due to the imminent threat of flooding in lower St. Martin Parish, a news release said.

A projected rise on the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, along with related bodies of water have the potential to cause flooding and subsequent damage due to flooding in the lower part of the parish.

The Atchafalaya River is expected to crest near 8 feet March 15 in Morgan City. As of Wednesday morning, the Atchafalaya was at about 7.2 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Beginning Wednesday, sand bags will be available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice at the Stephensville Park on La. 70 in lower St. Martin Parish.

Several preventive measures haven been taken over the last several days to prepare for this event and both St. Martin Parish government along with the St. Martin Parish Office Of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, continue to monitor conditions in St. Martin Parish, a St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office news release said.

Officials in Morgan City and Berwick in St. Mary Parish have closed several floodgates along the Atchafalaya due to the rising river.