River's crest revised Sunday

The National Weather Service in Shreveport on Sunday revised Red River's crest projection to 37 feet, up from the previous projection of 36.5 feet.

The new projection came at about 11:30 a.m., according to meteorologist Travis Washington, after the Corps of Engineers found new data to suggest the crest would be higher than previously thought.

Washington said the crest is expected at 7 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service of Shreveport at 9 a.m. plotted Red River at 36.44 feet.

Historically, at 36.5 feet, Cross and Twelve Mile bayous experience extensive backwater flooding. Backwater flooding takes place all the way to the concrete sill at Cross Lake dam at this level.

The National Weather Service says to expect backwater flooding to approach below Caddo Lake on Twelve Mile Bayou.

Historical data shows the river at 37.5 feet will cause severe backwater flooding of Cross and Twelve Mile bayous with backwater flooding into Caddo Lake.

Officials also are concerned about a rise of as much as two feet in Lake Bistineau, and ask people who may have gone there to be vigilant. Bossier Parish Sheriff's Lt. Bill Davis said that will require coordination with Webster Parish officials since there is access to the lake from both Bossier and Webster parishes.

There are three main health concerns associated with sustained flooding, according to David Holcombe, a regional medical director with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

1. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and a multiplied crop of these pests increases your risk for vector-borne diseases, such as the West Nile Virus. There are no cases of West Nile in Louisiana, Holcombe said. One case has been reported in in Texas.

2. Snakes, alligators, leeches and other animals seek refuge from rising waters in higher structures and land during a flood. Be aware of these unexpected visitors in and around homes, businesses and buildings.

3. Long-standing flood water poses a potential risk of infiltrating sewage systems, Holcombe said.It can cause wastewater to back up into homes connected to either a public sewer or private septic system. Avoid using a septic tank if its drain field is underwater.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CREST

Neighborhoods experiencing the worst flooding likely will not see relief until late next week, according to C.S. Ross, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service. Riverfront facilities such as Shreveport's RiverView Amphitheater likely will remain flooded through late July.

"After the Red River crests, it will take at least five days to recede below the 30 foot flood stage," he said. "That would occur late this week into next weekend."

Receding flood waters also are expected to leave a "big mess" behind. Ross said to anticipate silt and mud and ruined grass.

The river will stabilize between 25 and 26 feet in July, and throughout the month, as upstream reservoirs in northeast Texas and southeast Oklahoma release, flood pools will lower.

Ross predicts the river will not reach normal levels until the end of the summer.

Meteorologists said Monday is expected to be rain-free but chances of showers will increase through the week. However, normal rainfall should not cause the river to rise more though it could slow the fall, said meteorologist-in-charge Mario Valverde.

Officials at Barksdale Air Force Base said that area has not been affected by the flood.