Flat Ground on the East Bank of the Red River
Bossier City sits on the eastern bank of the Red River, directly across from Shreveport, at roughly 164 feet above sea level. Where Shreveport rises into hills, most of Bossier City is noticeably flat, apart from the hillier ground near the northern city limits.
That flatness matters for water damage in Bossier City. Many areas drain through small waterways such as Flat River and Red Chute Bayou. When rain falls faster than those channels can carry it away, water spreads into streets, yards and garages, and it can stay there longer than it would on sloped ground.
Annual precipitation runs about 51 inches, and warm months bring severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, high winds, hail and occasional tornadoes. Put together, the main local scenarios are bayou and street flooding, wind-damaged roofs, and the plumbing failures every city deals with.
The March 2016 Rains in Bossier Parish
The heaviest rain in the entire region during the March 8 to 11, 2016 storm fell in Bossier Parish. The National Weather Service recorded 18.84 inches at Barksdale Air Force Base and 18.39 inches at Taylortown, southeast of the base. Local waterways rose quickly, and upwards of 3,500 people across the area were displaced from their homes.
The weather service documented flooding in the Golden Meadows subdivision of Bossier City, along Willow Chute Bayou, near the Red Chute levee by Haughton, and across US 71 in south Bossier Parish.
Floodwater like this is Category 3, meaning it can carry sewage, chemicals and debris. Saturated drywall, insulation and carpet usually have to go, and everything that stays needs cleaning before drying. Our flood damage restoration page explains the process, and the overview of flood cleanup covers what happens first.
Tornado and Hail Damage in North Bossier
On February 24, 2007, an EF1 tornado with estimated winds of 90 to 100 mph crossed the north side of the city near Hickory Ridge Road. It damaged 40 to 60 homes in the Hickory Ridge and Carriage Oaks subdivisions, mostly through shingle loss, with substantial roof loss on some houses. No one was hurt. The National Weather Service in Shreveport also documents an earlier Bossier City tornado in December 1978.
Even modest wind damage invites rain inside. Storm damage cleanup in Bossier City generally starts with tarping, then moves to drying wet attic insulation, ceilings and walls before mold can start. See storm damage cleanup for details.
What to Do While You Wait for Help
- Put safety first. If the water is coming from outside and rising, leave and do not drive through flooded roads.
- Keep clear of wiring. Stay out of wet rooms where cords, outlets or appliances are underwater.
- Stop the source if you can. For an indoor leak, close the main water valve or the fixture valve.
- Take pictures. Capture the water level, the source and every damaged item before anything is moved.
- Rescue belongings. Move photos, papers, electronics and rugs to a dry room or upstairs.
- Call (888) 817-5061. We will connect you with a local restoration professional for emergency water removal, drying and cleanup.
If your home is a rental or on-base housing at Barksdale, notify the landlord or housing office right away as well.
Extraction, Drying and Water Damage Repair
The restoration company you are connected with will usually work through these stages:
- Inspection. Identifying the source and water category and mapping moisture with meters and infrared cameras.
- Extraction. Pumping or extracting standing water from floors, carpet and the garage slab.
- Removal. Cutting out wet drywall and pulling soaked pad or insulation that cannot be dried or cleaned.
- Drying. Running dehumidifiers and air movers with daily moisture checks. Learn about structural drying.
- Rebuild. Water damage repair in Bossier City covers drywall, trim, flooring and cabinetry once materials test dry.
Northwest Louisiana also freezes on occasion. During the February 2021 Arctic outbreak, the weather service reported widespread water main breaks and pipe bursts across the region, so attic and exterior-wall pipes deserve insulation before cold snaps.
Mold Remediation Rules for Bossier Parish Homes
Wet drywall and carpet can begin to support mold growth within 24 to 48 hours, according to EPA guidance. In a humid Bossier summer, getting the dehumidifiers running early is one of the best ways to keep a leak from becoming a mold job.
If remediation is needed, Louisiana sets a licensing threshold. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) requires its Mold Remediation license for remediation work valued at $7,500 or more, and the license calls for 24 hours of board-approved training in remediation and basic mold assessment. Verify a contractor on lslbc.gov before signing, and confirm the current dollar thresholds with the board.
For mold removal or mold cleanup in Bossier City, our mold removal page explains containment and clearance.
Insurance Basics, Plus Help for Businesses
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. Water that rises from a bayou or street is covered by NFIP or private flood insurance, and a new NFIP policy usually has a 30-day waiting period. Wind, hail and sudden pipe bursts are typically homeowners claims, though every policy differs. Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Restaurants, shops, offices and multifamily properties in Bossier City all benefit from documented drying plans that let them reopen sooner. Commercial callers can reach the same 24/7 line at (888) 817-5061.
Across the river, see our Shreveport page, or browse all Louisiana service areas.
Bossier City Areas and Nearby Bossier Parish Communities
Our free referral line connects callers throughout Bossier City and the surrounding parish with independent local restoration providers.
Neighborhoods
- Downtown Bossier City
- North Bossier
- South Bossier
- Bossier Strip (US 80 corridor)
- Golden Meadows
- Hickory Ridge
- Carriage Oaks
- Barksdale Air Force Base area
Nearby communities
- Shreveport
- Haughton
- Benton
- Princeton
- Plain Dealing
- Eastwood
- Red Chute
- Taylortown
Bossier City Water Damage FAQ
Why does water linger in Bossier City yards and streets after heavy rain?
Much of the city is flat and drains through small waterways like Flat River and Red Chute Bayou. When rain outpaces those channels, as in March 2016, water spreads out and drains slowly.
How much rain fell near Bossier City in March 2016?
The National Weather Service recorded 18.84 inches at Barksdale Air Force Base and 18.39 inches at Taylortown from March 8 to 11, 2016, the heaviest totals in the region.
Is a flooded garage covered by homeowners insurance?
If the water came from outside flooding, it is generally a flood insurance matter, since standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Water from a burst pipe or water heater is often handled differently. Review your policy and take photos before cleanup.
Does a mold company in Bossier City need a state license?
For remediation work valued at $7,500 or more, Louisiana's State Licensing Board for Contractors requires a Mold Remediation license. Check the company with the Verify Licensure search on lslbc.gov.
How does WaterQ work?
WaterQ is a free referral service. Our line is open 24/7 and connects you with an independent, local restoration company, which handles the inspection, cleanup and repairs.
Local emergency and flood resources
Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Bossier City: