Red River Floods Louisiana Neighborhoods, Parks and Roads

A rising Red River covered streets and, in some instances, entered homes in northwestern Louisiana on June 6.

The Red was more than five feet above its 30-foot flood stage in Shreveport and was expected to crest there on June 7 at more than 36 feet.

Caddo Sheriff’s spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick said at least a dozen Caddo Parish homes had flooded — some with at least a foot of water — along the Red or its tributaries. There was flooding reported on major Shreveport area thoroughfares and scattered evacuations in some areas.

“There are other areas where, if you don’t have water in your home, it’s knocking at your door,” Chadwick said.

Chadwick said officials were taking steps to protect water treatment plants and other infrastructure.

Gov. Bobby Jindal has activated up to 200 Louisiana National Guard members to help the state and local emergency effort. The governor’s office says 255,000 sandbags are being distributed in Bossier, Caddo and other parishes along the Red.

An RV park in Bossier Parish has been evacuated. Bossier City officials say ramps from the Shreveport Barksdale Bridge that leads to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway have been closed because of flooding on the east side of the parkway.

Water is expected to remain high for several days. More above-flood-stage crests are expected further downriver later in the week.

The Red was expected to crest at 38.5 feet on June 9 at Coushatta, more than seven feet above flood stage. At Alexandria, the Red was expected to cause moderate flooding when it crests on June 13 at 38 feet, six feet above flood stage.