Caddo-Shreveport officials received a weather briefing this morning as we head into the weekend where more rain is expected, said Sheriff Steve Prator, director of Caddo Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The National Weather Service met with city, parish, state, and federal officials at the Caddo 911 Center to discuss current and anticipated flood conditions. Additional rainfall is expected through tomorrow night and a Flash Flood threat remains in effect through Saturday night. Another 1-2” of rainfall is expected locally.
Caddo Lake is expected to crest Saturday night near 176'; Cross Lake is cresting under 175’ today; and Wallace Lake is expected to crest at 151’ to 151.5' but could see a secondary crest of 152-152.5 on Monday. The Red River is currently at 30.57’ and is expected to rise to 31’ . Twelve Mile Bayou is expected to crest at 36-37’ Saturday or Sunday.
On Thursday, 20-25 roads in Shreveport were closed from high water. More than 17 roads in the parish still have high water and trees in roads.
CPSO Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will continue to use the CodeRED emergency notification system when needed to relay important weather-related information. To register for emergency notifications from CodeRED, go to www.caddosheriff.org.
Sandbags will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today and Saturday at the City of Shreveport Streets and Drainage / Public Works Department at 3825 Mansfield Road and the Caddo Parish Fleet Services Department at 1701 Monty Street .
Sheriff Prator reminded citizens to use caution near flood waters, which can be extremely dangerous. “Flood waters are incredibly powerful, and playing in or near rain-filled ditches or the river, which has an incredibly strong current, should be avoided,” he said. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away a vehicle. This includes pickups and SUVs.
If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground underneath. Be smart! Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN!
