Flood levels from the Tchefuncte River have crested earlier than the National Weather Service's amended estimate of 6 a.m. Sunday, and at a "moderate" rather than "major" height.
The crest, the maximum water level during the flood, was expected to reach 30 feet tomorrow morning, but was measured at 27.58 feet after 9 p.m. Saturday. The Weather Service categorizes levels from 25-28 feet as a “Moderate Flood Stage."
Still, experts say that residents in Goodbee by the river at Highway 190 will feel the brunt of the impact. The Red Cross evacuation center along LA-1085 will stay open over the weekend in preparation.
Along Three Rivers Road in Covington, though, being prepared for flooding is just a part of life for residents like Gil Griffin.
"We are always prepared, this neighborhood is always prepared. We got our boats ready," Griffin said.
Other residents near the river like Ben Greer and Trea Barfield said they are also ready.
"We always kind of have everything, put up everything up high, have the boat on standby. If we have to leave, we leave,” Greer said.
Greer and Griffin both pointed out that the speed of the passing water is actually benefiting their area along the river.
“In our neighborhood it's not going to be as bad because the river is going so fast right now it's actually passing our cut up,” Greer said.
“If you are above I-12 you are probably going to have some problems," Griffin warned.
As of Saturday afternoon the Red Cross evacuation center was empty, but that could change as the flooding reaches its peak overnight.