LAPLACE — Heavy rain in the Mississippi Valley, coupled with rising Mississippi River water stages and flow are prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to open the Bonnet Carré Spillway Monday morning to alleviate pressure on levees further downriver.

Opening procedures will begin at approximately 8 a.m., according to a release from the corps New Orleans office. The general public are allowed to view the spillway opening at the Bonnet Carré Spillway Project Office, located at 16302 River Road in Norco, Louisiana.

For more information on what the opening means for recreational facilities on the spillway floor, check out our Saturday edition.