This is an emergency statement from the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness:

The National Weather Service and US Geological Surveys have revised their forecasted predications for flood levels on the Dorcheat Bayou at Springhill, Dixie Inn and Lake Bistineau to indicate that it is likely that those areas will experience record level, or near record level, flooding.

Dorcheat Bayou at Springhill:

Crested tonight at 20.69' (3" from record level

Rapid recession down to 19' by Sunday a.m. (predicted)

NO HOMES have been reported flooded; however Hwy. 2, Hwy. 157 and Hwy. 160 all remain closed due to flood waters.  Officials expect that with rapid recession of floodwaters that roads may be reopened by Monday.

Dorcheat Bayou at Dixie Inn:

Currently at 22.89’ (7p.m Oct. 31)

Forecasted Crest at 25’ (record level) by Monday night, with moderate recession through Wednesday

NWS SAYS: EXPECT MAJOR FLOODING OF SEVERAL HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND. PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED FOR NEAR RECORD FLOODING. THE BAYOU INN BUSINESS/PARK IN DIXIE INN WILL FACE FLOODING PROBLEMS. IN ADDITION, THE OLD HIGHWAY 80 BRIDGE WILL BE INUNDATED WITH WATER. SOME HOMES DOWNSTREAM FROM DIXIE INN AND UPSTREAM FROM LAKE BISTINEAU WILL ALSO FACE FLOODING. HOMEOWNERS IN LOW AREAS PRONE TO HIGH WATER ON BAYOU DORCHEAT SHOULD RUSH PREPARATIONS FOR THIS MAJOR FLOOD EVENT.

Dorcheat Bayou at LakeBistineau:

Currently 145.4’ (8 p.m. Oct. 31)

Forecasted Crest at 147’ (very near record level) by Wednesday

NWS SAYS:  EXPECT FLOODING OF SEVERAL HOMES, ESPECIALLY UNSTILTED HOMES AND CAMPS. ACCESS ROADS WILL BE FLOODED. PREPARATIONS FOR MAJOR FLOODING SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

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.

Residents in need of sandbags should notify the Webster Sheriff’s Office at 318-377-1515 so that proper authorities may be dispatched to parish barn locations for weekend management of distribution. 

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 Lake Bistineau, 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.)  

Officials advise that voluntary evacuations are in place, and residents who have health conditions, special needs or disabilities are strongly encouraged to temporarily relocate to ensure they have sufficient access to services they may need. 

Homeowners choosing to stay with their homes should ensure their 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, owners of pets and livestock should take precautions to ensure the safety of their animals. 

“The people most at risk know who they are,” said John Stanley, emergency director for Webster Parish.  “Those that have been through this before should know generally what to expect and how to prepare; but having a plan for temporary relocation would be considered very sensible.”  

Any 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 Sheriff’s Office at 318-377-1515, 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 by calling 911.  

Currently, Hwy. 2 from Sarepta to Shongaloo, Hwy. 160 and 157 at Dorcheat/Cypress Creek south of Shongaloo are closed due to flooding.

Additionally, Hwy. 164 from Sibley to Doyline is now closed due to rising waters on Dorcheat Bayou.   

Stay informed by following regularly posted information and updates at www.websterparishla.org.