NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana National Guard mobilized dozens of members and began moving equipment around to flood-prone areas of the state as river levels continue to rise.

Guard officials said 70 people have been mobilized so far, and more are expected to be activated in the coming days. Those personnel will help local, parish and state emergency officials ahead of expected river flooding from the wetter than expected winter.

Guard members will also begin 24-hour levee inspections Friday in Concordia, East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parishes to keep an eye out for any seepage.

Two sand-bagging chutes have also been given to state officials in Tensas Parish, while Guard members also issued 13,000 sandbags each to West Feliciana and Avoyelles parishes.

Guard representatives said they will conduct aerial surveys in the Red River Atchafalaya Levee District, including the Red River, Old River control structure and Morganza control structure to keep an eye on flooding.

River levels are higher than expected due to warmer temperatures causing rain instead of snow in the Midwest.