Atchafalaya River at Morgan City

1. 20.00 ftThere is a catastrophic flood threat. Evacuation of the cities of Berwick and Morgan City is strongly recommended. Flood walls protect the cities to an elevation of 21 feet.
2. 12.00 ftThere is a major flood threat. Back water flooding of Bayou Bouef will cause damage east of Morgan City to the community of Amelia. Structures on the river side of protection walls in Morgan City and Berwick will be under water. River traffic restrictions will be strictly enforced.
3. 9.00 ftStructures on the river side of protection walls in Morgan City and Berwick will be under water. River traffic restrictions will be strictly enforced.
4. 7.00 ftBuildings at the foot of Ann Street on the river side of the flood wall will flood as water overtops the Rio Oil Company dock. Buildings on the river side of the Berwick floodwall will flood. River traffic restrictions will be strictly enforced. In addition, backwater flooding could potentially impact portions areas around Lake Palourde and Stephensville.
5. 6.00 ftFlood stage. The city dock will be under water. Water will cover the lower end of Belleview Front Street in Berwick. Vessel traffic will be affected by stronger river current and vessel traffic safety rules will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.
6. 5.00 ftFloodwall gates will be closed to protect against higher stages. Vessel traffic will be affected by stronger river current and vessel traffic safety rules will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.
7. 4.00 ftAction stage. Water will move up the bank and across access roads below the city dock. Floodwall gates should be closed by the 5 foot stage to protect against higher stages. Vessel traffic will be affected by stronger river current and vessel traffic safety rules will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 16, 2026.

Most recent crests

• May 7, 2025: 6.91 ft
• June 5, 2024: 5.43 ft
• April 16, 2023: 5.42 ft
• March 31, 2022: 5.15 ft
• April 14, 2021: 6.99 ft
• April 13, 2020: 7.93 ft
• July 13, 2019: 10.06 ft
• March 15, 2019: 8.29 ft
• March 30, 2018: 7.12 ft
• June 3, 2017: 7.18 ft

• Lake Palourde at Morgan City
• Bayou Millhome at Stephensville
• Bayou Boeuf at Amelia
• Bayou Penchant at Morgan City near Gibson
• Little Lake at Cutoff
• Mississippi River Delta Basin at Bayou Black at Gibson
• Belle River at Pierre Part
• Tide Station (LCH) at Amerada Pass

Forecasts by the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.