News Summary
Shreveport and Bossier City are grappling with severe flash flooding following a significant downpour. Roads are closed, and incidents like a school bus getting stranded in floodwaters have raised alarms. Authorities urge residents to stay cautious as unpredictable weather continues to pose risks, including into the upcoming week, with dire warnings about potential flooding conditions due to saturated grounds.
Shreveport and Bossier City Face Flash Flooding After Severe Rain
A heavy downpour in Shreveport and Bossier City has led to significant flash flooding, resulting in multiple road closures and incidents, including a school bus becoming stranded in floodwaters. Emergency officials are urging residents to remain cautious and informed as the area continues to experience unpredictable weather.
Severe Weather Risks and Incidents
On Friday, a Caddo Parish school bus carrying students became stranded on Youree Drive amid rapidly rising floodwaters. The bus lost its way while following other vehicles and veered off the roadway. Fortunately, both the bus driver and the student on board were unharmed, and after inspection, the bus was cleared to return to service.
Despite the serious nature of this incident, no road closures had been announced prior to or following the school bus mishap. Caddo School officials reiterated that their protocols prevent buses from traversing flooded roads, typically enforced when roadways are marked as impassable.
Ongoing Flash Flooding Concerns
Shreveport and Bossier City faced similar flooding scenarios again on the following Tuesday, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to severe weather events. Areas like Centenary Boulevard at Olive Street experienced significant flooding, with parked cars submerged—even in regions designated as minimal flood zones according to FEMA flood maps. Other parts of Youree Drive, particularly from East Washington to Kings Highway, are already labeled as flood zones.
During Tuesday’s storms, drivers navigating Bossier City encountered flooded conditions on Old Minden Road near Interstate 20, forcing them to make tough choices between fording the water or seeking alternative routes. Detours through Airline Drive towards Barksdale Boulevard also met with similar obstacles, further complicating commutes in the area.
Warning and Preparedness Measures
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) emphasized that flash floods can be unpredictable, complicating mitigation efforts. The body advises that any roadway can become dangerous when flooded, urging motorists to practice patience and avoid driving through submerged areas. The useful mantra “Turn around, don’t drown” has been promoted as a safety reminder for residents.
In response to the ongoing flooding risks, the City of Shreveport is distributing free sandbags to local residents to help prepare for continued severe weather. Each vehicle is allowed to pick up a limited number of 15 sandbags, available at designated pickup points. Both Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish are also providing sandbags to residents in need.
Anticipated Weather Patterns
This week has seen a significant amount of rainfall, leading forecasters to predict further increases in flood conditions. Currently, the level of the Red River stands at 25.24 feet, with expectations it could crest into the “Action” flood stage of 26 feet by Thursday. Contributing factors to rising water levels include excessive rainfall from upstream states such as Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, which feeds into the Red River basin.
The authorities have issued flood watches for the area extending through Wednesday, as saturated ground conditions continue to heighten the risk of thunderstorms and flash floods. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant about updates on weather conditions and continue to follow safety guidelines to prevent incidents related to flooding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Flash Floods Overwhelm Street Drainage in Shreveport-Bossier City
- KSLA: Free Sandbags Being Offered by City of Shreveport
- KEEL: Red River Shreveport-Bossier Rising Flood Threat
- Shreveport Times: Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warning
- Travel and Tour World: New Travel Alert Due to Flash Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Google Search: Shreveport flooding
- Google Scholar: Shreveport flash flood risk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Flash floods Shreveport
