Lake Charles, Louisiana – Residents across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas may have only a short window to prepare as a prolonged heavy rain event threatens to bring flooding issues that could worsen each day through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected beginning today with rainfall rates of 1.5 to 3 inches per hour possible in the strongest storms. A Flood Watch is already in effect across the region, and forecasters warn that additional extensions may be needed as multiple rounds of rain continue through early next week.
The highest impacts are expected along and north of the Interstate 10 corridor from Lake Charles and Jennings to DeRidder, Leesville, Beaumont, Orange and Jasper. Most locations are projected to receive 6 to 10 inches of rainfall through Sunday, while isolated areas could exceed 10 to 15 inches where storms repeatedly move over the same communities.
Forecasters expect a brief reduction in rainfall coverage on Wednesday before a more concentrated surge of tropical moisture arrives Thursday and continues into Saturday. The moisture is associated with a tropical disturbance expected to move northward from the Gulf of Mexico, increasing the risk for flash flooding, road closures and water-covered highways.
Low-lying areas, flood-prone neighborhoods, bayous and smaller creeks will be especially vulnerable. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should identify alternate travel routes before conditions deteriorate.
The National Weather Service says flooding concerns will increase with each passing day, and coastal flooding may also develop later this week as low pressure approaches the Gulf Coast. Additional watches, warnings and advisories are likely as confidence grows in the rainfall totals.
