MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - So far so good. Current levels of the Mississippi and Ouachita Rivers are well below flood stage.
"The Ouachita River is looking great for this time of the year. We're near a half bank at Monroe. A little higher than that at Columbia and a little higher than that at Felsenthal but actually the Ouachita is in great shape right now." Said National Weather Service Meteorologist Mike Berry.
But for how long? Hurricane season is just three months away. That means the potential for flooding increases. Somewhere in the U.S. flooding occurs every day and flooding causes over eight billion dollars in damage every year.
In 1968, congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to help mediate flood insurance prices.
"They created that in response to the rising cost and rising flood related issues...homes and or cars." Said Berry.
State Farm Agent Pam Accardo says it's a good idea to have flood insurance.
"I think it's widely recommended especially if you live in an area that prone to flooding." Said Accardo.
Why have flood insurance when I have home owners insurance, that covers everything, right?
"But they're not. The only time that you're going to have any coverage from water is if there's a storm and it blew your roof off and water came in that way. So it has to be a covered peril that would actually cause the water damage and flood and rising water is not covered so people need a separate flood policy to be adequately covered for that." Said Accardo.
Some changes have been made this year to flood plain maps and that may result in you requiring flood insurance or may increase your flood insurance prices. Accardo recommends speaking with your agent to make sure you are up to date on your current flood insurance policies.
Need more information about flood insurance or the changes? Here are several links to help:
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe's first Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival is here."It's something that I saw in another town and I really wanted to bring it to Monroe. You know, we could not have done
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Dragon boat racing kicks off this Saturday and the proceeds are going to a good cause.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:24:29 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Jeane Gonzales has lived in the same house for nearly 40 years, but now she is facing a major problem. A leak is coming from her home's water meter.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Jeane Gonzales has lived in the same house for nearly 40 years, but now she is facing a major problem. A leak is coming from her home's water meter.
By Victoria Shirley MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- Anglers get ready, the Ronald McDonald house just announced its 21st annual big bass tournament. Each year, the tournament is a fundraiser for the Ronald
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- Anglers get ready, the Ronald McDonald house just announced its 21st annual big bass tournament.
