Lake Charles, Louisiana – Periods of heavy rain are set to drench southwest Louisiana starting Thursday, with Lake Charles and nearby parishes facing the risk of localized flash flooding and travel disruptions through Saturday night. Up to 8 inches of rainfall could hit the hardest-hit areas, with most locations expecting 1 to 3 inches.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles and the National Hurricane Center, a low-pressure system moving from Florida into the northern Gulf tonight brings a 10% chance of tropical development, but significant rainfall is expected regardless of formation. The heaviest downpours are likely along the I-10 corridor, impacting Lake Charles, Jennings, Lafayette, and Alexandria, with pockets of 4–8 inches possible, especially in lower parishes and coastal areas.
Drivers should avoid flooded roadways, and residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should prepare for rapidly rising water. Schools and businesses may see closures or delays if rainfall rates increase overnight. On the positive side, the storm will bring a break from the recent heat, with temperatures dropping several degrees.
This rain threat lasts through Saturday night, with updated advisories possible if the disturbance strengthens or tracks further inland. Stay tuned to local alerts and have devices charged in case of power outages.
