GONZALES, LA (WAFB) -
Ascension
Parish was one of the areas experiencing major flooding problems due to the
heavy rains being dumped on southeast Louisiana.
It's one
thing to see flood waters rise in low-lying communities, but when it strikes
area normally high and dry during heavy rains, then it can be a bit scary.
People in Gonzales spent part of Wednesday scrambling to protect their homes
from more of the same.
It's not
that they haven't seen heavy downpours before, but it's pretty unnerving when
it floods the front yard.
"This
is the second highest it's been and I've been here in 13 years," said Hugh
Ambeau. "The first time with the storm it went in the house."
He is still
making repairs to his home from flooding caused by Hurricane Isaac. Not even
six months later, he's once again living on his own little island off South
Irma Street. The intersection just behind his house can't even be seen.
Percy Perck
with the Gonzales Wastewater Department spent the day driving around assessing
the backups caused by the storm.
"We
can't pump it out in the street that's for sure," Perck said. "So, we
just tell them to be patient and the pumps will catch up sooner or later."
The city
hall saw its share of flooding also. The front parking lot was impassable.
"I
always say it looks like our own Lake Pontchartrain when we walk over
here," said Mayor Barney Arceneaux.
He said
he's used to it. City hall remained open, but it was quite a sight to witness
for some.
"I'm
from California," said Dwayne Keye. "And, I thought we had strange
weather."
Keye tried
to use his bicycle to get around, but that idea proved problematic.
"I
just went through the water over there and got overwhelmed. The water started
coming up to the bike," he added.
Area
businesses faced similar issues.
"We're
building a wall around the office from the flood Isaac just put down on
us," said Don Deleone. "Now, this water is six inches away from
coming in the building before they're done."
Ascension
Parish and community leaders are distributing sandbags, but that's little
comfort to residents who know more rain is forecast in the near future.
"It's
about three feet from my backyard and as soon as it gets in the backyard, it'll
be another inch and it's coming in my doors," explained David Zemke.
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Flooding is causing problems for some trying to get into the Gonzales City Hall.
