GONZALES – Ascension Parish officials issued a warning to residents late Friday night about backwater flooding after rain storms Thursday and Friday.

“It is predicted that we will be experiencing similar flooding to that of Tropical Storm Allison in 2001,” Parish President Kenny Matassa said in a news release. Over the last 24 hours, some parts fo the region experienced 14 inches of rain. Friday night, all six pumps were active at an Ascension Parish pump station.

“Over the last 24 to 28 hours our residents have experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall,” said Rick Webre. “The threat includes a risk of backwater flooding from the Amite River, Bayou Manchac and the Diversion Canal. We ask that you continue to follow all safety protocols and instructions from first responders.”

Parish Drainage Director Bill Roux Roux said residents along Alligator Bayou Road and the areas behind that, specifically, Bluff Swamp, Spanish Lake and low lying areas along Bayou Manchac, the Amite River, Muddy Creek Basin, and bridges crossing these waterways, will be affected with this event. He said crews will try to provide ways of access to residents across Muddy Creek and Little Prairie bridges.

“We expect Hwy. 431 to overtop near Port Vincent,” Roux said. “Lake Martin will be affected by high water from the Amite River. The roads are expected to be impacted including all low lying areas along the Amite River, Lake Villar, Summerfield, Lake Martin, Hwy. 431, and Gold Place Road. The area of Sorrento south of La. 22, including low lying areas along Bayou Conway and Panama Canal, specifically Raymond Tullier Road and Brittany Street and surrounding areas are expected to be impacted.”

The sheriff's office has filled more than 30,000 sandbags and more are available.

“All of your government has met here today to make sure that we are here prepared for the people of Ascension Parish,” Sheriff Jeff Wiley said

Sandbag locations

• Prairieville Fire Department  

          14517 LA-73, Prairieville, LA 70769

• 5th Ward Fire Department

          39110 LA-22, Darrow, LA 70725

• 7th District Fire Department Station 71

          13432 Roddy Rd, Gonzales, LA 70737

• Amant Fire Department

          44465 Stringer Bridge Rd, St. Amant, LA 70774

• Geismar Fire Department

          12171 La. 73, Geismar, LA 70734

• Galvez-Lake Vol. Fire Department

La. 931 near La. 431, Prairieville, LA

• Sorrento Town Hall, 8173 Main St., Sorrento LA

• City of Gonzales Barn, 2919 South Darla Ave., Gonzales, LA

• 431 at Valentine Road (Curve of La. 431), St. Amant, LA

• Ridge Road at Kleinpeter Road (off of Bluff Road)

• End of Tullier Road, Sorrento, LA

• End of Buxton Road, St. Amant, LA

*residents should bring their own shovels to fill the bags

Areas in East Baton Rouge and Livingston were preparing for rising water on the Amite and Comite, too.

Ascension officials said backwater flooding could begin early next week. 

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