Bossier Parish Flood Update for June 11

The latest flood incident briefing from the Bossier Office of Emergency Preparedness shows water levels are rising as expected in south Bossier, but both parish and state officials continue to monitor the situation.

Here's more from a news release:

According to the National Weather Service, the Red River crest at Coushatta, 38.8 feet, is the third-highest on record and the highest since the floods of 1957 and 1958. Forecasters believe water will begin to recede, pointing out that in 2001 and 2009, river levels took from five to seven days to return below flood stage.

When flood waters begin to recede, individuals are asked to use extreme caution if walking near the river banks. With the current and the volume of water which has moved through the Red River, banks may have been compromised and could collapse without warning.

Some additional information:

• Both lanes of the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway are now open, but motorists are urged to proceed with caution.
• Assets are being shifted to south Bossier Parish as waters from tributaries, especially Loggy Bayou and Flat River, continue to rise. Landowners are reminded to keep an eye on livestock and equipment.
• Levees continue to be monitored 24 hours daily. Some seepage has been reported.
• The National Weather Service is monitoring potential rain events to the north in the Texas Panhandle and in Oklahoma. The possibility exists that additional water from heavy rains in that area could send more water downstream, with the levels reaching the Bossier/Caddo area three weeks after the rain events.
• Lake Bistineau continues to rise slowly; Crier’s Camp Rd. has been closed due to high water. The lake remains closed to recreational boat traffic.

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and Bossier officials will hold a news briefing at 2PM today at the Bossier Sheriff's Office Mobile Command in south Bossier Parish to further update the flooding situation. The Mobile Command was set up yesterday afternoon and is located on the west side of Highway 71, one mile south of Elm Grove Elementary School.