FORECAST: Severe Storms Are Starting to Roll Through Acadiana

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A strong storm system is rolling through south Louisiana, potentially bringing heavy rain and a lot of lightning to the area Tuesday afternoon.

The system, which as of 3 p.m. was just to the west of Lafayette Parish, showed signs of bringing potentially bad weather, and multiple alerts from the National Weather Service have been issued.

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While the strongest part of the system may skirt along the southern part of the parish, it could bring severe weather, like storms and flash flooding, to areas like Broussard and Youngsville. Other parts of the parish will still see heavy rain and winds.

Several Acadiana parishes are under a Severe Thunderstorm warning this afternoon until 6 p.m., the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says.

"Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm," the warning says. "Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."

"Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding," it also said. "Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

The storm system was powerful enough to create a large water spout in Lake Charles, the NWS posted to Twitter/X.

That same system is the one moving across Acadiana this afternoon.

The Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Lafayette, New Iberia, Abbeville, St. Martinville, Jeanerette, Broussard, Youngsville, Erath, Delcambre, Maurice, Loreauville, Acadiana Regional Airport, Coteau, Cade, Jefferson Island, Lydia and Milton.

The Severe Storm Warning includes Lafayette, Abbeville, Scott, Kaplan, Broussard, Youngsville, Erath, Delcambre, Duson, Maurice, Meaux, Indian Bayou, Ridge, and Milton.