The Army Corps of Engineers will begin opening the Morganza Spillway this weekend.

Approval for the plan was granted Monday.

The plan is to open one bay per day for three days, starting Sunday and to open more on the fourth day.

The corps expects that about a quarter of the 125 bays will be open to prevent overtopping and relieve pressure from the swollen Mississippi River.

Follow the Atchafalaya River Flood Inundation Map. 

Opening the Morganza Spillway will bring water through the Atchafalaya Basin, down through Morgan City and out to the Gulf of Mexico.

The corps explained in today’s announcement that residents, landowners, and businesses who may be impacted should follow the direction of local officials and take the necessary precautions prior to the spillway’s opening.

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