June19, 2001

Citizens of Thibodaux

Thibodaux, LA

Dear Citizens:

           As Mayor of the City of Thibodaux, I would like to commend all of you forthe spirit of cooperation and courage you have demonstrated through the rain andflooding produced by Tropical Storm Allison. This storm, which swept through Thibodaux from June 6 through June 10,2001, brought unprecedented floodwater and destruction to all areas of the city.

           To keep all of you in the city informed, I have obtained the followinginformation as it applies to the City of Thibodaux according to the U. S.Weather Bureau Technical Paper No. 40:

     2-year storm (2 year return interval)   -  up to 5.5 inches of rainwithin 24 hours

     5 year storm (5 year return interval)   -  up to 7.5 inches of rainwithin 24 hours

   10 year storm  (10year return interval) -  up to 9inches of rain within 24 hours

   50 year storm (50 year return interval) -  up to 11.5 inches of rainwithin 24

 100 year storm (100 year return interval)- up to 13 inches of rain within24 hours

During the initial rainfall fromTropical Storm Allison, the City of Thibodaux officially received 15.1 inches ofrain, most of that falling within a six-hour period spanning late Wednesdaynight and early Thursday morning.  Theofficial rainfall was more than 2 inches above the amount considered for a100-year storm to occur in the City of Thibodaux.  This rainfall broke all official records for our area datingback more than 100 years.

           During the remainder of the 5-day period, the city received additionalrain of over 20 inches bringing the total to 36 inches in Thibodaux.  When you consider the average total annual rainfall for thecity is only sixty-six to sixty-eight (66-68”) inches, it is not difficult tosee why so many of us throughout the city were seriously impacted as a result ofthis rainfall.

          City personnel worked around the clock to provide assistance with road closures,sand bags, and drainage blockages.  Weworked closely with the American Red Cross, Lafourche Parish emergency staff,and FEMA to bring aid and help to begin repair and rebuild all of our livestouched by this natural disaster as quickly as possible.  I would personally like to thank all the people, groups,organizations, churches, etc. who generously gave of their time and resources tohelp all of us during these trying and stressful times.

            I ask for your continued support through this clean-up period so that we,together, can continue to move Thibodaux forward.

                                                           Sincerely, 

                                                           CharlesCaillouet,Mayor