For the third time in history, the Morganza Spillway will open. The Army Corps of Engineers confirmed the opening is set for Sunday. This year’s opening will be gradual, with about one foot of water entering the floodway per day, for the first three days.
Some areas near Atchafalaya River in St. Landry Parish are already feeling the effects of the rising water. Many who live along the spillway are getting anxious and worried about how the opening will affect them.
“Just God bless us and everyone else around here,” Phyllis Bourque said.
Some families, like Bourque’s, are concerned about possible flooding when the Morganza opens on Sunday.
“We built this house in 2015 and we are just really worried about the water coming up, and if they’re predicting seven to eight feet, we will definitely have water in our house,” Bourque said.
About five to six feet of the Bourque’s backyard is already covered by water from recent rain. They’re afraid if they get any more rain or if any water comes from the Morganza Spillway, they may have to rebuild.
“It’s just worrying you know. The anticipation of wondering what’s going to happen and we have to be ready at a moments notice because once the water starts getting up. We will have to get out,” Bourque said.
