Beauregard braces for flooding TN TEST
<p class="p1"><strong>UPDATE:</strong> <em>Due to the opening of the gates at Toledo Bend Reservoir, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is staging its high-water vehicles and boats in different areas within the parish in preparation for the possibility of flooding.</em></p><p class="p1">Beauregard Parish authorities filed for a state of emergency Monday morning as Sabine River Authority officials began to open gates at the Toledo Bend Reservoir.</p><p class="p1">Police jury president Teddy Welch issued the state of emergency at 9 a.m., as 11 gates at the reservoir were raised to one foot each after waters rose above the dam’s 172.5 mean sea level flood stage. Levels at the reservoir were forecasted on Monday to reach 172.76 msl by Thursday.</p><p class="p1">Local emergency preparedness director Glen Mears said that forecasted lake levels in the Merryville and Fields communities could place both areas in moderate flood conditions.</p><p class="p1">He said that most residents living along the Sabine River have begun preparing their evacuation plans, should the need arise, and that residents in other areas should remain vigilant.</p><p class="p1">“Anyone who lives near a stream, lake or river should stay alert for rising waters and in some cases flash flooding, which can occur very quickly,” Mears stated.</p><p class="p1">The state of emergency currently issued by the parish will not make the requirements needed for a federal declaration, he said.</p><p class="p1">Mears said that forecasted flooding could be impacted by further rains expected this week.</p>