Flooding Prompts Closures – More Rain On The Way

As predicted an upper level disturbance moving through Texas brought major rainfall to portions of Acadiana on Tuesday. In the Lafayette area rainfall totals in excess of 3 inches were not uncommon. People living to the south and east of Lafayette caught the lions share of the rain.

Totals of 6 to 8 inches were reported in portions of Vermilion, St Martin and St. Mary Parishes. This abundant rainfall prompted numerous school closings for that part of Acadiana.

Today promises to be another very wet day across South Louisiana.Flood watches and warnings continue to be in effect for a large part of South Louisiana.  The current Power Doppler HD radar from KATC TV 3 is showing where the rainfall is right now. This combined with the accumulated totals from Tuesday could mean a significant flooding event for a large portion of the area. The potential for severe weather is slight while the potential for flooding remains high.

The Vermilion River as of late last night had risen to 11.7 feet and was actually flowing backwards due to the heavy rain. The potential rainfall we could see today could  push the level of the river over 13 feet. At 13.5 feet the river poses a threat to homes and business' that are located along its banks.

How much more rain could fall today? Forecast models suggest at least another inch or possibly two inches of rainfall could accumulate in the already saturated areas before the rain ends midday Thursday. That would mean storm totals in the Lafayette area could range between 4 and 6 inches while portions of Vermilion, Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin Parishes could find storm totals in excess of 7 inches.

When will the rain stop? Forecast models are in general agreement that a cold front moving through Texas will clear the area by Noon on Thursday. This should bring an end to the rainfall and cooler temperatures back into the area. The break from the rain will be short lived with many forecasters bringing a chance of showers back into the area as early as Friday afternoon.