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Tchefuncte River Rising Rapidly, Major Flooding Threatens Homes and Roads in St. Tammany Parish
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Tchefuncte River Rising Rapidly, Major Flooding Threatens Homes and Roads in St. Tammany Parish
The Tchefuncte River is rising quickly and could reach dangerous levels within hours, prompting concerns about flooded homes, road closures, and possible evacuations throughout parts of St. Tammany Parish.
According to the National Weather Service, the river at Highway 40 near Folsom was measured at 18.76 feet Wednesday morning and is expected to climb to 20 feet in the coming hours. Major flooding is forecast to continue through Thursday and Friday as runoff from heavy rainfall works its way through the river basin.
Residents should remember that flooding can occur even if little rain falls in their immediate area. Heavy rainfall upstream can send large volumes of water downstream, causing rivers to rise rapidly and overflow their banks.
At 16 feet, floodwaters begin impacting areas around Spring Park and Albert Thompson Road. Officials warn that homes in those areas become vulnerable to flooding, and residents should strongly consider evacuating before conditions worsen.
Once the river reaches 19 feet, water is expected to spill over the west bank near the Highway 40 bridge. By that point, evacuations around Spring Park and Albert Thompson Road should already be completed.
At 21 feet, the situation becomes much more serious. Water is expected to enter homes, evacuations will likely be required near Bennet Bridge Road, and floodwaters will begin covering low-lying portions of Highway 1077 downstream from the Highway 40 bridge. Strong currents carrying debris could also threaten the structural integrity of the bridge.
Should the river climb to 21.5 feet or higher, officials warn that the risk of structural damage to the bridge will continue to increase.
For perspective, the historic flood of March 2016 saw the river crest at 25.25 feet. At that level, widespread flooding occurred throughout the area, roads became impassable, evacuations were necessary, and the Highway 40 bridge faced significant threats from floodwaters and debris.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Tchefuncte River near Folsom, with moderate flooding already underway and major flooding expected. Forecasts indicate the river will continue rising through the end of the week, although exact levels could change depending on the track and rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Arthur.
Anyone living along the Tchefuncte River, in low-lying areas, or in locations with a history of flooding should closely monitor conditions and be prepared to leave if evacuation orders are issued. Officials continue to stress that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles and remind motorists to never drive through flooded roadways.
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay alert as water levels continue to rise across the basin.
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