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Emergency Situation Reports > Flood predictions for Webster Parish
Flood predictions for Webster Parish
- Outlining the potential effects on homes, properties
Oct 31, 2009 --

UPDATED 10 A.M. OCTOBER 31, 2009

The National Weather Service and the US Geological Survey are predicting the following crests on the major waterway of Webster Parish, Bayou Dorcheat:

 

Dorcheat at Springhill-

  • Was expected to crest at 20’ by 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 – 12” FROM ‘MAJOR’ FLOOD STAGE
  • Facts:

o       Currently at 20.51'’ (8 a.m. Oct. 31) - PREDICTION EXCEEDED

o       Major Flood Stage is 21'

o       Record is 22.79’ in 1958 

o       Flood Impacts (per National Weather Service):

21’ – Expect EXTENSIVE FLOODING with some homes downstream to near Shongaloo and Leton to be flooded.  Homeowners in flood prone areas along Dorcheat should rush preparations to completion for a major flood event. 

Dorcheat at Dixie Inn-

Expected to crest at 23’ by late Sunday, November 1, 2009 – 12” FROM “MAJOR” FLOOD STAGE

  • Facts:

o       Currently at 21.61’ (8 a.m. Oct. 31)

o       MajorFlood Stage is 24’ 

o       Record is 25.12’ in 1997 

o       Flood Impacts (per National Weather Service):  

24’ – Major flooding of SEVERAL HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND.  Preparations should be completed for near record flooding.  The Bayou Inn at Dixie Inn will face flooding problems. In addition, the old Hwy. 80 bridge will be inundated with water.  Some homes downstream from Dixie Inn and upstream from LakeBistineau will also face flooding.  Homeowners in low areas prone to high water on Bayou Dorcheat should rush preparations to completion for flooding.

20’ – Expect MODERATE TO SEVERE FLOODING of bayou bottoms. The boat ramp and park at Dixie Inn is completely flooded at this point.

Dorcheat at Lake Bistineau-

  • Expected to crest at 146’ by late Wednesday, November 4, 2009 – 1’ ABOVE “MAJOR” FLOOD STAGE
  • Facts:

o       Currently at 145.02’ (8 a.m. Oct. 31)

o       Major Flood Stage is at 145’ 

o       Record Stage is 147.79’ in 1991 

o       Recent October 2009 flooding reached 146.5’ 

o       Flood Impacts (per National Weather Service): 

145’ - Expect flooding of several homes especially unstilted homes.  Preparations for major flooding should be rushed to completion.

144’ – Most camps across the lake begin to flood. Some homes will also face flooding, especially homes that are not stilted. Preparations for flooding should be rushed to completion.

What Could This Mean for Us?

  • If predictions are accurate, we can expect to see a basic repeat of our most recent flooding event from earlier this month; however, a small margin of error could cause waters to flood additional homes and properties.  Therefore;

 

  • Webster officials are strongly recommending that property owners in flood prone areas prepare by sandbagging, and by elevating or relocating valuables within their properties that could be damaged by water.

 

  • Additionally, any residents relying on travel via roadways surrounded by the Bayou Dorcheat and its tributaries should reschedule outings in preparation of limited access to and through such roadways. (Access roads to LakeBistineau, Hwy. 80, Hwy. 2, Hwy. 157, Hwy. 164 and potentially other roadways will likely experience severe flooding, making them impassable for a number of days.) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL THROUGH HIGH AND/OR MOVING WATERS!  With the recent heavy loads of water, many roadways have been strained and may be more prone to washouts and/or collapses during additional heavy water flows.

 

  • Ensure households are equipped with necessary items in case access in or out of the property is limited or restricted by floodwaters.  (Consider food, water, medications, fuel, etc.)  Also, don't forget to consider your pets and any livestock to also ensure their safety.


  • Consider a voluntary evacuation to avoid potentially dangerous circumstances.  Having a plan to temporarily relocate, if possible, would be considered sensible.

 

  • Individuals residing in areas threatened by flooding who have medical issues or physical disabilities should notify Webster 911 of their plans—whether to stay or leave. If assistance with physical evacuation is needed due to a disability or medical issue, that need should be communicated to officials by calling the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security at 318-371-1128, or by calling 911.

 

  • Any requests for emergency services, or reports of damages or situations requiring urgent action and/or awareness, should be communicated to local officials through the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security at 318-371-1128, or by calling 911.

 

 

Webster Parish Police Jury   -   Webster Parish Courthouse Annex

401 Main St., West Entrance - P.O. Box 389 - Minden, LA 71058 - (318) 377-7564 Office - (318) 371-2366 Fax