Highest the Red has been in 70 years – since World War II
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and Bossier officials were briefed late Thursday morning by the National Weather Service, who just this morning increased the crest of the Red River to an historical 35.5 feet, which they say will occur this weekend.
The NWS says the 35.5 crest will last about 36 hours and slowly recede, but continue to stay above flood stage for some time. As of 2 p.m. Thursday (June 4), the river was at 34.19 feet, four feet above flood level.
As Bossier officials continue their public safety efforts, these are the primary updates:
-Residents of River Bluff subdivision need to evacuate, as water has topped roadways and could get into houses. Sand bags will be delivered to the area as long as possible.
-Residents of Cash Point RV Park continue to be under a recommended evacuation.
-La. Department of Transportation and Development has closed a short segment of La. 537 in the River Bottoms and are monitoring the north end of La. 537 near Arkansas Line Road.
-DOTD is also monitoring roadways in south Bossier Parish, especially those near Loggy Bayou to La. Highway 154.
-The American Red Cross and deputies continue to operate the shelter at Elm Grove Elementary School. The shelter took in one evacuee last night and anticipates others as residents evacuate.
-Sand bags are readily available at the Elm Grove location, as well as the Bossier Parish Highway Department Maintenance Barn and Bossier City Public Service Complex.
-Backwater flooding is anticipated to begin this weekend into the next week as waters move north from Loggy Bayou through tributaries to about La. Highway 154. Lake Bistineau could see some flooding, particularly on camps and boat houses.
-NWS says that Red Chute Bayou at Dogwood and Sligo Road are receding, so there are no issues with those waterways, and flooding is not expected.
Bossier patrol deputies continue to monitor parish residents and roadways affected by the rising Red. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate call the Bossier Sheriff’s Office at 318-965-2203 anytime.
