Staff Reports
Torrential rain brought widespread flash flooding to the Shreveport-Bossier City area Monday, stranding motorists, prompting water rescues and leaving numerous roads impassable as emergency crews responded to high-water incidents across the region.
A slow-moving band of thunderstorms dropped between 2 and more than 6 inches of rain in parts of the ArkLaTex, overwhelming drainage systems and quickly flooding streets in low-lying areas. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings as the heaviest rainfall moved across the metropolitan area.
Some of the worst flooding was reported along Youree Drive, where water near Washington Street rose to nearly knee level in places. Videos from across Shreveport showed vehicles stalled in deep water, with several drivers abandoning their cars as floodwaters continued to rise.
According to emergency reports, police and fire crews responded to numerous calls involving stranded motorists throughout the city. The Shreveport Fire Department confirmed at least one water rescue at the intersection of Pierremont Road and Thornhill Avenue after a vehicle became trapped in rising water. Emergency dispatchers also handled multiple reports of hydroplaning crashes and vehicles stuck in flooded roadways.
The heavy rain created hazardous travel conditions during the afternoon commute as water covered major streets and neighborhood roads. Authorities urged motorists to stay off the roads whenever possible and reminded drivers never to attempt to cross flooded streets, where the depth of the water is often impossible to determine.
Local officials also made sandbags available to residents in both Caddo and Bossier parishes as forecasters warned that additional showers could develop before the weather system moved out of the area. Transportation officials encouraged motorists to monitor road conditions through Louisiana’s 511 traveler information system before traveling.
While floodwaters began to recede in some locations later in the day, emergency crews continued responding to flooded intersections and disabled vehicles into the evening. Officials warned that standing water could remain on some roadways even after the rain ended, creating continued hazards for motorists.
Monday’s flooding served as another reminder of how quickly heavy rainfall can overwhelm urban drainage systems. Public safety officials stressed that just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle and urged residents to heed barricades and avoid driving around road closures until conditions improve.
No fatalities had been reported as of Monday evening, although emergency responders remained busy assisting motorists and monitoring flood-prone areas across the Shreveport-Bossier area.
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