A state of emergency is expected to be signed this morning for Beauregard Parish, as waters continue to rise to dangerous levels along the Sabine River.

Police Jury president Teddy Welch is expected to sign the order that will coordinate the requests for relief and support, if needed, as the area feels the impact of flood waters brought on by heavy rains for the past weeks.

On Wednesday, director of emergency preparedness Glen Mears said that waters in the Merryville and Fields communities reached major flood stage, above the anticipated moderate flood stage that was predicted before a second round of rains struck this week.

“The parish held a Unified Command meeting Wednesday morning, and have equipment and personnel in place for flood operations as needed,” Mears stated.

Mears said that officials are advising residents to remain off the river and out of the immediate area unless absolutely necessary.

As of Wednesday evening, all 11 gates at the Toledo Bend Reservoir had been opened to four feet each, with both generators running at all times as lake levels hovered at 173.28 mean sea level. The requirement to begin opening gates is 172.5 msl.

The wet pattern is expected to come to an end by today and some rivers are anticipated to crest next week, however Mears warned river levels in some areas may continue to rise through the rest of the month.

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