Historic river flooding in St. Tammany, water could surpass some bridge levels

COVINGTON, LA (WGNO) — Elected leaders in Saint Tammany Parish are telling people there to prepare for historic flooding along the Bogue Falaya, Bogue Chitto, and Tchefuncte rivers.

Friday morning, St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister declared a state of emergency for the entire parish.  She also encouraged people who live in the flood threatened areas along the rivers to consider leaving their homes.  Brister asked people who opted to leave to do so before dark at which point it would be more dangerous for emergency responders to rescue them.

 

Covington Mayor Mike Cooper also said that the water level could reach or rise above the level of some bridges along the rivers.  The parish was also receiving help from the National Weather Service, various area fire districts, and the Louisiana DOTD due to the roads affected by the rising water.

“They have water rescued about 100 people that didn’t realize that they would be in harm’s way,” Brister told reporters Friday afternoon regarding the work of the parish’s sheriff’s office.

Brister said the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was also providing boats and personnel to help with water rescues.

Many of the areas surrounding downtown Covington were flooded Friday afternoon.  Businesses like the  restaurant Del Porto on Boston Street closed for the night.

Parish President Brister urged people who opted not to leave their homes to stay indoors.

Bogue Falaya Park was closed due to high water.  Some of the homes along Blackburn Place also looked more like islands.  Click on the video button below to see more.

Covington Mayor Mike Cooper urged people in the following areas in particular to consider evacuating.

• Boston Towers
• Areas on or near the Bogue Falaya River from Boston Street to Bogue Falaya Drive in Old Landing
• Areas on or near the Little Tchefuncte River from South Tyler Street to Cypress Road in Old Landing
• Samantha Drive in River Forest
• The end of East 31^st Avenue at Cherokee Lane
• Areas along any other waterways or tributaries

Cooper also says that people who live in areas that have flooded previously should also consider leaving.  He is stressing that there may be limited emergency service available for people who find themselves in trouble.