Flash flood warning issued for northwest Louisiana

• The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for northwest Louisiana due to thunderstorms producing heavy rain.
• Shreveport Police responded to numerous stranded vehicles and traffic crashes, advising motorists to use extreme caution.
• Central Shreveport experienced significant flooding, with high water reported in areas not typically prone to it.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport issued a Flash Flood Warning just after noon Monday, June 15, for northwest Louisiana.

According to the NWS, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain and flash flooding for much of the region. The warning was initially issued until 3 p.m. but was extended until 3:45 p.m.

NWS said this flash flooding could impact small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Shreveport Police Department is reporting that since the rain began this morning, officers have responded to 53 calls for stranded or disabled vehicles and are investigating 24 traffic crashes.

“We are asking motorists to use extreme caution if you must travel,” Shreveport Police Department Public Information Officer Cpl. Chris Bordelon said. “Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or high water. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle off the roadway.”

Central parts of Shreveport are being heavily impacted. Shreveport business owner Bob Thames said, “I drove from my office downtown to Marilynn’s Place to check on the building. I had to take several detours. Streets that I’ve never seen flooded before were flooded.”

He continued, “The rapids flowing through Betty Virginia were unlike anything I’ve seen in my time in Shreveport. Bayou Pierre was higher than I’ve ever seen it. I was on the sidewalk warning people not to drive through Fern and Greenway Place.”

Thames stated he witnessed multiple cars get damaged this afternoon.

The Shreveport Police Department is reminding drivers that if you don’t have to be on the roads, stay home until conditions improve.

For more information: Flood watch issued for northwest Louisiana

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.