With the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City predicted to crest at 9.5 feet on or around January 23, 2016 two parishes are preparing. The Morgan City prediction does not include water flow from the Morganza Floodway Control Structure if a decision is made to open it.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert says,

If you own a camp or other property in an area prone to flooding, you need to take steps to protect your property now. Do not wait until the last minute. Rising water and strong currents will make traveling in those areas increasingly dangerous. Do not put your life and potentially the lives of others at risk.

The Marine and Patrol Divisions of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office have begun patrolling more than 126 miles of levee system in the parish. A warning has been issued that trespassing on all levee roads, crowns, slopes and bases is illegal and violators will be prosecuted.

In Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says deputies will be patrolling the levee near Lake Fausse Point to prevent trespassing. Ackal is also advising property owners to protect valuables in the event the Morganza Control Structure is opened.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL