Weather Service Increases Threat of Severe Storms for Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) Forecasters with the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center, and the Weather Prediction Center have placed a large portion of Louisiana at risk for flooding rains and severe storms this weekend. The recently updated forecasts from the nation's official forecast outlet suggest the chance of life-threatening weather conditions across the state is even higher than originally thought.

The catalyst for the inclement weather is a frontal system that is currently pushing through Texas and the lower portions of the Great Plains. This scenario is very similar to the weather scenario that was in place last weekend. If you recall, most of the stronger storms stayed along and north of the I-20 corridor during last week's weather event.

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The thinking from forecast outlets this weekend is that the severe weather threat, combined with heavy downpours, will be localized further to the south. In other words, the I-10 corridor of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana will see the greatest risk of heavy storms and potentially severe weather as well.

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Will There Be Flooding Rains In Louisiana This Weekend?

Forecasters with the Weather Prediction Center have placed a large portion of southern Louisiana at risk for an excessive rain event.

In the graphic from the WPC you see above, the yellow shaded area shows the part of the state where heavy downpours could produce rapid rainfall rates in a short period of time. This part of the state could be subject to street flooding during and in the hours after these downpours occur.

The overall rainfall threat is not tremendously off the charts for this time of year. Forecasters with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles produced this graphic to illustrate where they believe the bulk of the higher rainfall totals will be concentrated.

The Storm Prediction Center has also revised its forecast for Louisiana this weekend. They have increased the severe weather threat and included more of the state in that threat. In the graphic below from the SPC, you can see the visualization.

As far as the timing for when the worst of the weather will arrive at your destination, here are some general " educated guesses" based on forecast models.

When Will Showers and Storms Start This Weekend in Lake Charles and Lafayette?

Forecasters anticipate showers beginning in the Lake Charles area after 1 AM on Saturday. That will be followed by heavier showers and downpours arriving shortly after sunrise. The Lafayette area will see a threat of showers arriving shortly after 5 am Saturday, with the better chance of showers and heavier storms moving into the area between 10 am and Noon.

If you have plans to attend the LSU versus Texas A&M Football game Saturday night in Baton Rouge, you'll probably want your rain gear. The heavier showers aren't expected to move into the Baton Rouge area until later in the day on Saturday. Unfortunately for game time, there does appear to be an increased threat of showers and thunderstorms. Don't be surprised if the game is delayed by weather at some time during the evening.

Will Storms Affect the New Orleans Area on Sunday?

In the New Orleans Area, showers and storms will move in from the west early Sunday morning. There will be a threat of showers and storms, some of them heavy, off and on during the day on Sunday. This could affect those who are traveling to New Orleans for the New Orleans Saints versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game, which kicks off at 3 pm Sunday.