NEW ORLEANS - Heavy rain in the Mississippi Valley and rising Mississippi River water stages and flow have prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to decide to open the Bonnet Carré Spillway this Sunday morning.

The spillway opening is to keep the volume of the river flows at New Orleans from exceeding 1.25 million cubic feet per second. The opening procedures will begin at approximately 10 a.m.

Officials say the spillway may remain open for several weeks as the structure relieves pressure on main line levees, maintains river stages and regulates the flow of the river from the spillway southward.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has an environmental monitoring plan in place to assess water quality, recreation, natural resources and other factors during the operation of the spillway.

The Corps advises individuals with movable and immovable property in the area to takes the necessary steps to protect their property. All public access areas within the spillway, including public boat launches, Lower Guide Levee Road and the St. Charles Parish Recreation Area near U.S. Hwy 61 will be closed as of Sunday, Jan. 10 until further notice.