Shreveport, Louisiana – Drivers across northwest Louisiana and the ArkLaTex region may encounter rapidly changing road conditions over the next several hours as repeated rounds of thunderstorms bring a growing threat of flash flooding through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, periods of prolonged heavy rainfall are expected across much of the Four State Region, including northwest Louisiana, northeast Texas, southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma. Forecasters warn that rainfall rates could reach 1 to 3 inches per hour in the heaviest storms, creating conditions favorable for flash flooding.
The greatest concern stretches along and north of the Interstate 20 corridor, including communities such as Shreveport, Bossier City, Texarkana, Longview, Mount Pleasant, Hope and El Dorado. A Slight Risk for excessive rainfall remains in place across portions of the region, indicating at least a 15% chance of flash flooding occurring within 25 miles of any given location.
According to the National Weather Service, additional rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible before the event ends, with isolated higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas. Urban locations, low-lying roads, creeks and poor-drainage areas will be most vulnerable to flooding.
Across Louisiana – Texas border communities, rain chances range from 50% to 90%, with the highest coverage expected from Texarkana and Clarksville eastward toward Hope and portions of southwest Arkansas. A few storms may also become strong during the afternoon and evening.
Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Even a small amount of moving water can sweep vehicles from the road. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
The threat for heavy rainfall and flash flooding will continue through tonight, and additional Flash Flood Warnings may be issued as storms develop across the ArkLaTex region.
