Louisiana Downs threatened by flooding

[DaTruth]

A major storm system passed through this area on Thursday and dumped 5-6 inches of rain. We already had close to 15 inches of rain in October prior to the latest rain, so the ground was already saturated and creeks and bayous were high before Thursday's storm.

My home is high and dry, but I had the unfortunate experience of a F2 tornado hitting my office building on Thursday. Nobody was hurt as the building withstood the winds, but cars in the office parking lot were damaged. The glass on my rear and driver's side windows was shattered, and I've got a hundred or so dents on my car from flying debris. I'm still waiting to hear from the adjuster.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...of-I-49-closed

Voluntary evacuations in place; lanes of I-49 closed

By Kelsey McKinney • kelseymckinney@gannett.com • October 31, 2009

Authorities viewed video showing overtopping of the Red Chute Bayou and Flat River guideline levee this morning — a day earlier than they expected, said Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker.

“We’re still working the levees like mad,” Walker said of overnight and continued efforts to sandbag the levee. “But the water is rising so quickly. It would be prudent to expect that things will get much worse.”

Thirty members of the National Guard and four high-water vehicles have been dispatched to assist Bossier authorities.

Meanwhile in Caddo Parish, flooding from Wallace Lake forced the closure of one northbound lane and one southbound lane, restricting traffic to one lane in each direction.

Walker strongly recommended the 25,000 or more residents by flooding in the northeast corner of Bossier City and south of Sligo Road evacuate. “Find yourself a nice hotel.”

Or seek shelter at Platt Elementary School, US Highway 80, and former Parkway High School, located on Panther Driver.

South Bossier residents trapped by high waters, can call the Bossier sheriff's office at (318) 965-2203. The agency has boats in the area as does the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, according to a Bossier sheriff's office news release.

He also warned potential sightseers to stay out of flooded areas.

“The elevation (at and around Harrah’s Louisiana Downs) is such that they’d be significantly impacted,” Walker said of the casino and horse track.

If a significant breach happens, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs could be five to eight feet underwater.