By Nyla Smith

L’Observateur

RESERVE – The Homewood subdivision in Reserve experienced flooding Wednesday morning after thunderstorms passed through St. John the Baptist Parish.

Paul Bernard, a resident of the subdivision, said the rain started about 5:30 a.m., and soon after the waters started rising.

“In less than 15 minutes the street flooded, and the lights went out and stayed off for about two and a half hours,” said Bernard.

Bernard also said he could not get out of his yard and had to miss work because of the flooding.

John Earl Edward, a one-year resident of Homewood, said he cleaned the debris from the street’s drainage, and the waters receded, but the scene quickly changed.

“The street was clear,” said Edward. “The pumps had cleared all the water off the street. Then someone told me to look out the window about 9 o’clock, and all the water had returned.”

Parish Council member Charles Julien of District 3 said the water probably returned to the street because of a backwash from the pond at the pumping station.

“So much rain came down, I assume the pond got full and pushed the water back on the street,” said Julien. ”We have received the bond money to begin repairs to the area, and the project should begin as early as next month.”

Julien also said the problem is familiar, and he is working hard to remedy the situation in the area.