LAPLACE — Water levels in the Mississippi River are rising as a result of heavy rainfall in the central United States and along the Ohio River over the past 30 days.

Based on the Carrollton gauge located in New Orleans, the river level is at 12.81 feet.

The National Weather Center forecasts Mississippi River Levels will crest at 13 feet Sunday; however, river levels could go higher depending on additional rainfall.

Normal river activity is ongoing, and there is no projected impact of flooding to residential areas in St. John the Baptist Parish and other areas along the river, local officials said Tuesday morning.

Parish Admin-istrative staff are in communications with the United States Corps of Engineers, Pontchartrain Levee District and Lafourche Basin Levee District for updates regarding river levels.

The Pontchartrain Levee District will continue daily inspections of the levee until water levels subside.  Until then, it is critical everyone abide by the following restrictions in place for the Mississippi River Levees.

These restrictions also apply to construction projects within 1,500 feet of the river and includes the Waterline under the Mississippi River Project and Louisiana 637 Waterline Relocation Project. Both are on hold until conditions improve and water levels are below 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge.

Restrictions are:

• No digging activity and/or subsurface work of any kind is allowed within 1,500 feet of the levee centerline. This includes, but is not limited to pile driving, excavation and trenching.

• Driving on the river levees is prohibited.

• In order to carry out the necessary assessments and operations, there will be zero tolerance for unauthorized parking and driving on the levees.

St. John the Baptist Parish will continue to monitor Mississippi River Levels and advise residents as conditions warrant.

For more Mississippi River information concerning St. John the Baptist Parish, visit
sjbparish.com.