20 inches of rain leads to major flooding in Ouachita Parish on April 29, 1991
Pump stations and a levee failed leading to major damage on both sides of the Ouachita River
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - One of the worst floods in Ouachita Parish began on April 29, 1991.
Almost 20 inches of rain fell causing an already rising Ouachita River to rise to 50.48 feet, well above the flood stage of 40 feet.
Records say rainwater flowed down from Arkansas to the Ouachita and that added to the rainfall.
A levee failed in the Chauvin Basin sending around five feet of water into that neighborhood.
Town and Country subdivision, River Oaks subdivision, the Garden District, Northside Terrace, South Grand Street and Tanglewood all experienced flooding. Homes in the Shady Lane area had up to three feet of water inside.
In West Monroe, around 250 homes suffered severe damage. The Guest House Nursing Home had to be evacuated.
Some photos show the Ouachita River lapping at the underside of the Lea Joyner Bridge.
The rain caused extensive damage to farms in the parish. Rice and cotton farmers faced long-term financial strain since the soaked fields delayed planting.
The disaster led to infrastructure improvements with pump stations added and those existing rebuilt. Levees were rebuilt.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.