Based on changes to the current and forecasted conditions the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began opening the Bonnet Carré Spillway Friday due to high water in the Mississippi River that threatens New Orleans and the surrounding region. High water is also a danger to marine traffic in the river.
Plans were to reopen the spillway May 14, but regional rainfall caused the Mississippi River to rise six inches in a 24-hour period with more rain expected through the weekend. These rains could elevate...