The Latest: Jindal, Edwards prepare for possible floods

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The latest on Louisiana's preparations for possible flooding along the Mississippi and Red rivers and other waterways.

7 p.m. Wednesday

Gov. Bobby Jindal says state officials are keeping a close watch on river levels while staying in touch with local authorities to prepare for possible January flooding.

A news release from Jindal's office says he and Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards — who succeeds Jindal on Jan. 11 — met Wednesday with various agency leaders and state emergency response officials to discuss flood preparation efforts.

Of particular concerns are forecasts that the Red and Mississippi rivers will reach minor to moderate flood stages at points in Louisiana.

3:15 p.m.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says its opening a flood control structure roughly 50 miles northwest of Baton Rouge as Louisiana deals with a rising Mississippi River.

The Old River Overbank Structure is part of the Old River Control Complex that distributes water between the Mississippi and the Atchafalaya River. The Overbank Structure was being opened Wednesday in anticipation of higher river levels on the Mississippi.

Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Wednesday as part of the state's preparation for high water expected to pose flood threats the coming days along the Mississippi and Red rivers and other waterways. He and Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards were to meet in the afternoon with emergency officials.