Major Flooding Sweeps through Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas

 

Major flooding has affected Louisiana and surrounding states, causing President Obama to declare a major disaster.

 

According to The Washington Post, National Weather Service forecaster C.S. Ross in Shreveport said it will be at least a week until homeowners can get back to their flooded homes.

 

Louisiana emergency officials are reporting that nearly 5,000 homes were damaged in the flooding, and that number is expected to increase as floodwaters continue to rise in some areas.

 

Mississippi also experienced flood damage. One hundred eighty-five homes were reported to be damaged and about 650 more homes suffered minor damages.

 

The flooding is mainly concentrated in northwest Louisiana where the state shares borders with Mississippi and Arkansas.

 

A six-mile section of U.S. Highway 71, running from Bossier Parish into Red River Parish was reported to be covered with water.

 

Emergency personnel and residents used sandbags to attempt to stop the Pearl River from flooding. Forecasters predict the River could reach 21 feet by late Tuesday or Wednesday--a height that it has not reached since a 1983 flood.

 

In Arkansas, a weekend storm brought rain, hail, and even several tornadoes. Mississippi is also bracing for more flooding. Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Adam said around 100 to 200 homes around Pearlington, Mississippi could be affected by the flooding.

 

Flood warnings are in effect throughout the region.

 

“Once the water goes down, cleanup kits will be made available” said Lt. Bill David of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. “By the weekend, we should have a plan for distribution.”