BP-funded program raises ethical issues for board
January 8, 2013
Algi Leo Roger
January 9, 2013UPDATE: 1:59 p.m.
Minor flooding consistent with today’s rain event – and resulting street closures – have occurred in Houma, according to police officials. Streets will be re-opened as they become safely passable throughout the day.
Closures are as follows:
Bayou Gardens Blvd.
Roussell and Wood streets
Morris Avenue near Grand Caillou Road
North Van Avenue near Gibb
Payne Street
Prospect Boulevard
Blimp and Clendenning
Grinage and Point
Levron Street at Rent-a-Center
Lafayette and Point
Central and Birch
Margaret and Barrow
Margaret and Church
Daspit and Margaret
From 300 to 312 Hobson Street
Hobson and Levron
1300 block of Lee Avenue
Williams Street and Bayou Dularge Road
Rousell and Honduras
Daspit and Honduras
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UPDATE: 12:32 p.m.
Citing high tides and strong southeastern winds, the South Lafourche Levee District has closed the Ted Gisclair Floodgate in Larose.
The floodgate is scheduled to open for traffic at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the duration of the closure.
Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes are under a tornado watch until 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Lafourche is under a flash flood warning through 12:45 p.m., and both parishes are under a flash flood watch until 6 p.m.
As of 11 a.m., there had been no reported tornadoes or flooding in Lafourche Parish, according to officials. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” Lafourche Parish spokesperson Loralei Gilliam said.
The City of Thibodaux has barricaded two roads: East Winder and Emerald Park. Those are the only two streets were access is being blocked. The list of roads barricaded yesterday reopened yesterday, Gilliam said.
Garbage pickup will go on as scheduled, though parish officials have said delays are possible.
Residents are asked to not drive around barricades, to drive slowly on roads with standing water and to make sure drainage ditches, catch basins and culverts are clear of debris.
To report flooding, call (985) 537-7603.
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UPDATE: 11:23 a.m.
Lafourche Parish Government barricaded access to seven roads on Wednesday after reporting 5 inches of rain over the course of 12 hours, parish officials said.
As of noon on Wednesday, all of the barricaded streets were in the Thibodaux area: Allamand Lane, Brandywine, Parkside Drive, Louisa, Summerfield Road, East Winder and Emerald Park.
Because the streets are covered in water, impacted homeowners are urged to be cautious if they decide to drive around the barricades. Standing water in the street could breach other homes if the driver goes too fast, and it could prevent clear sight of ditches, parish spokesperson Loralei Gilliam said.
Parish leaders said “it’s a common-sense decision” and that specific homeowners were free to make the decision, Gilliam said.
No reports of flooded homes had been logged as of noon, Gilliam said. Residents are urged to report flooding by calling (985) 537-7603.
Pumps are running throughout the parish to lower water levels in reservoirs and drainage zones in anticipation of further rain forecasted for today and tomorrow, Gilliam said.
The Department of Public Works is removing obstructions from drainage ditches and are asking residents to ensure the flow of water is unimpeded through catch basins and culverts. Typical obstructions can include – but are not limited to – litter, garbage cans and foliage.
Heavy rain is expected to pour throughout tonight and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. A flash flood watch is in effect through Thursday in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
