Caddo Parish officials have been advised to prepare for a river crest of at least 34 feet later this month, according to officials with the National Weather Service.

In a conference call today, NWS meteorologist William Parker told emergency responders the NWS is confident the Red River will rise above flood stage in Shreveport but more specific information will depend on conditions upstream, which they will be monitoring throughout the weekend.

In the meantime, Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator, director of the Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, continued to stress locally the importance of leaving sandbags in place and preparing in advance for flood waters.

“We aren’t out of the wood by any means,” Prator said. “Use this time to prepare.”

Sandbags are available through the weekend at the Parish Public Works Department at 1701 Monty Street and City Streets and Drainage at 3825 Mansfield Road.

The Caddo Parish Unified Command Group will meet again Monday morning at the Caddo Emergency Operations Center.