Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington briefed with Bossier Mayor Lo Walker and officials from the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Tuesday afternoon to assess the rising Red River and current and pending flooding areas.

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From BPSO
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Sheriff Whittington and officials conducted an aerial surveillance of the Red River and impacted areas during a flight this morning.  The birds-eye view gave leadership a real good picture of areas that are impacted by the high waters of the Red River.

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From BPSO
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The river level is at 32.7 feet as of 9 p.m. Tuesday and is expected to crest late Friday or early Saturday at 34 feet, a level that the National Weather Service anticipates the river to remain for at least two days.   Even after that, they say the water level on the Red will slowly recede to 27 or 28 feet, where it will remain until late July or early August.

Here are updates based on the latest discussion between Sheriff Whittington and city and parish officials:

  • Some residents of Cash Point RV Park have left the park as part of an evacuation for their safety and well-being, since the northern part of the park is cut off by high water and the park is dealing with a compromised sewage system and potential flooding.
  • The American Red Cross established an evacuation shelter Monday afternoon at the Elm Grove Elementary School, providing cots, hygiene kits, food and hot showers for those who need a place to stay.
  • The low level land and roads in southern Bossier Parish, primarily south of La. Highway 154, remain the areas that are anticipated to approach flooding levels similar to that of 2009, according to the National Weather Service.
  • The U.S. Geological Survey has also said that residents in Lake Bistineau could see about a two to three foot rise in current water levels as of Tuesday afternoon.  Initially, it was thought Bistineau might not be affected, but the backwater flooding could rise in the waterway, according to USGS.
  • Sand bags remain available at the three locations in Bossier Parish – Elm Grove Elementary School; Bossier Parish Highway Maintenance Barn and Bossier City Public Service Complex.
  • The Arthur Ray Teague Parkway walking trail is closed, and stopping or fishing along the parkway is not allowed, all in an effort to key people and motorists safe.
  • Bossier Sheriff’s Office will establish a forward command operating center off of Highway 71 just south of Elm Grove Elementary School in the next day or two.

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