Lake Charles, Louisiana – Drivers across southwest Louisiana could face sudden downpours and strong thunderstorms beginning around 2 p.m. Wednesday, with bursts of rain and wind strong enough to knock debris onto roadways before storms exit after 2 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, the region sits under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon through the overnight hours. Forecasters say storms may produce wind gusts near 60 mph, quarter-size hail, and isolated tornadoes, with the main line of storms moving across the area after sunset.
Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Iberia and Morgan City are all in the zone where damaging winds could occur. Communities farther west, including Beaumont and Port Arthur in southeast Texas, may see storms develop first before pushing east into southwest Louisiana during the evening commute.
Rainfall totals are expected to range between 0.5 and 2 inches, though isolated pockets could reach 3 inches, raising the risk for brief street flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near bayous. Cameron Parish and coastal communities could also see heavy rain bands move inland during the evening.
Residents should keep multiple ways to receive warnings and avoid driving through flooded roads. Emergency officials continue to emphasize the message: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Storm chances should gradually decrease after midnight as the main line exits the region, though additional advisories could be issued if storms intensify Wednesday evening.
