WBRZ - Baton Rouge

GONZALES - Swelling of the Amite River has led officials in Ascension Parish to close waterways.

Parish officials expect river levels on the Amite River at Port Vincent to be above flood stage at that location this weekend. Flood stage at that site is 8 feet, according to the USGS website.

Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez announced all waterways in the parish will be closed until further notice to recreational boat traffic starting at 4 p.m.

"We are closing recreational boat traffic to prevent damage to property, and because of safety concerns with debris in the water," President Martinez said. "Our law enforcement agencies will need total access in order to respond to those in need during this storm event."

Sandbags are available at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center and at the following locations:

• Gonzales Wastewater Enhancement Facility, 2313 S. Burnside Ave., Gonzales
• Gonzales Department of Public Works (City Barn)
• The Ascension Civic Center, 9608 Airline Hwy., Sorrento
• Fire District #1, 13192 Airline Hwy., Gonzales
• 5th Ward Fire Department, 39110 Hwy. 22, Darrow
• Galvez/Lake Fire Department, 16288 Joe Sevario Road, Galvez
• Galvez/Lake Fire Department, 16573 Hwy. 931, Galvez
• 7th District Fire Department, 13398 Roddy Rd., Gonzales
• Prairieville Fire Department, 37237 Goodwood St., Prairieville
• St. Amant Fire Department, 44465 Stringer Bridge Rd., St. Amant
• Geismar Fire Department, 12171 Hwy. 73, Geismar
• Lake Martin Area, Corner of Hwy. 431 and Lake Martin Avenue
• Ridge Road at circle turnaround.
  

The two temporary storm shelter locations located at Donaldsonville High School and Dutchtown High School, have finished operations and will be closed at 3 p.m. today.