Washington Parish Director of Emergency Preparedness Tommy Thiebaud said the National Weather Service has increased the crest stage for the Bogue Chitto River as well as pushed up the time it will be reaching its highest point.

At approximately 9 p.m. the NWS notified Thiebaud’s office the expected crest would be 20 feet, one foot above what was predicted earlier today. Additionally, the river is expected to crest at 7 p.m. Friday, six hours earlier than the 1 a.m. Saturday crest previously predicted.

Thiebaud said the added foot “can make all the difference” if a house takes on water. He said earlier today he had spoken to a man who said a 19-foot crest would have water lapping at his doorstop but 20 feet likely means water in his house.

At 8:45 p.m. Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Haley said the water was rising rapidly in the Bogue Chitto Heights subdivision. He said when WPSO deputies are blocking one street “they would turn back around and see water in the street behind them.”

“The water is coming up real, real fast in Franklinton,” Haley said, adding that he’s concerned about a thunderstorm approaching the area.

Please visit www.gobogalusa.com for continuing updates.