Lake Charles, LA – Heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding could impact portions of Florida and the north-central Gulf Coast through the middle to late part of this week as a trough of low pressure develops in the Northeastern Gulf. Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas residents also face a slight risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight, primarily bringing damaging wind gusts.
According to the National Weather Service Lake Charles, a broad area of low pressure near the southeastern U.S. coast is expected to move across Florida and into the northeastern Gulf by Tuesday. While the chance of tropical development remains low at 20% over the next seven days, heavy downpours are still anticipated.
In Louisiana, areas including Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Port Arthur are under a “slight” risk (level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. These storms could produce damaging wind gusts over 58 mph, with the highest potential in central and eastern Texas, moving eastward into southwestern Louisiana. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and be prepared for sudden downpours.
Localized flash flooding is the main concern across the Gulf Coast, particularly in Florida and eventually stretching into parts of Louisiana and Texas. Even without tropical development, this system will bring significant rainfall. Officials advise avoiding travel through flooded roadways and charging electronic devices in case of power outages.
Warnings remain in effect through the mid to late week as the system slowly progresses westward, with continued advisories expected.
