The Red River is expected to be at its highest level in 70 years when it crests on Saturday afternoon, according to National Weather Service experts.
The NWS met with Caddo officials this morning in a regular briefing conducted by the Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and said the river is now expected to crest at 35.5 feet, yet another foot higher than projected yesterday. Just before noon, the river was at 34 feet.
Craig Ross, with the NWS, said the river will be at its highest level since April 7, 1945, when it crested at 38.3 feet. During the 1990 flood, the river crested at 34.5 feet on May 15.
In Caddo Parish, officials are continuing to keep a close eye along the river and on backwater flooding along Cross Bayou, Twelve Mile Bayou, McCain Creek and Middle Bayou. A few structures (homes and buildings) have already taken on water and occupants have voluntarily evacuated.
The NW Louisiana Red Cross opened a shelter at the Southern University- Shreveport gymnasium but so far no one has checked in.
A 24-hour Emergency Operations Center has been opened at the 911 Center in Caddo Parish for agencies to jointly monitor the river’s progression and assign resources.
Caddo public safety officials, including the Caddo Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police, and Shreveport Fire, will continue to go door-to-door in impacted neighborhoods to identify affected structures and notify residents of changing conditions.
“So far we have only a couple dozen houses that have received water or that are in danger of receiving water,” said Sheriff Steve Prator, director of Caddo OHSEP. “The anticipated crest is changing daily. We aren’t planning our response based on the projected crest. We are planning beyond that.”
Caddo Parish Public Works and the City of Shreveport Streets and Drainage will man sandbag locations 24 hours a day through Sunday at 1701 Monty Street and 3825 Mansfield Road.
Other locations and contact information are:
Caddo Public Works (South)
11928 Greenwood-Springridge Road
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 925-9558
Caddo Public Works (North)
108 Finley Drive, Vivian,
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 375-2464
Caddo Public Works
1701 Monty Street
Phone: 226-6936, extension 1
City of Shreveport Streets and Drainage
3825 Mansfield Road
Phone: 673-6330
