As the Red River rises, it's overtopped the parking lot at the Arthur Ray Teague boat launch area.

Bossier Parish officials say the river crest level has changed slightly in the past 24 hours. The Red at Shreveport is forecast to rise to 32.5 feet by Thursday. Bossier Sheriff's Lt. Bill Davis told KEEL News this is causing some concern at the ART sheriff's substation.

"The sheriff is closely monitoring that, and we're right at about 32 feet on the Red River level," Davis said. "If it gets just any higher -- 33, 34 -- we may see water in that facility, and we sure don't want that to happen."

Lt. Davis said Bill Parker with the National Weather Service briefed emergency officials on the situation, and said that the Red River has been 30 feet or higher five times in the past year, which is historical. It's also something that's gotten everyone's attention.

Davis said the sheriff's office is urging residents, particularly those who live south of Hwy 154, to be prepared.

"The potential of backwater flooding is something we're paying close attention to. Coushatta is projected to crest at 37 feet, which will then impact the tributaries that feed the Red River," he said. "We have sandbags available at a number of different locations, from the Maintenance Barn in Benton, to the Public Service Complex on Shed Road, to the Tooke Library near the Bistineau area, as well as Elm Grove Elementary School."

Residents of River Bluff, Cash Point and the Red River South Marina are encouraged to keep an eye on water levels. The Bossier Sheriff's Office has set up a mobile command center at the Red River South Travel Plaza on Barksdale Boulevard.

 

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Photo: Angela Thomas
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