Strong Storms Brewing Over South Louisiana This Morning

(KMDL-FM) If you look at the National Weather Service Radar Composite early this morning and zoom into South Louisiana, you will see what is causing all the thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. Now, if you glance to the west on the radar map a few hundred miles, you'll see what's coming next.

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Then, if you look even further to the west of that area of convection, you'll see yet another impulse of atmospheric energy that could bring even more soaking rains to southern Louisiana over the next five days. The storms we're experiencing now could create flash flooding issues for the early morning commute.

Portions of Acadiana Could See as much as 8 Inches of Rain

The storms that are forecast for later today could bring even more downpours and enhance the risk of even more high water, especially in streets and low-lying areas. If you're wondering how much rain is forecast to fall, then get ready for some pretty big numbers.

The National Weather Service is not ruling out rainfall amounts of ten inches in some locations between now and Memorial Day. It does appear as though the heavier rain totals will be further to our west into eastern Texas, but a portion of Louisiana and Acadiana could see in excess of six inches of rain and maybe as much as eight inches of rain.

Unfortunately, this is not a quick ending rainfall event for South Louisiana. Forecasters are keeping a significant rain threat in the forecast through Monday. Look at the rainfall probabilities as presented in this graphic from the Lake Charles Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.

There is at least 60% chance of rain or better, focusing on the Lafayette area, every day from now through Memorial Day. Some days, the rainfall probabilities are closer to 80% and 90%. And to add insult to injury, hopefully not literally, the forecast for next Tuesday is showing a tendency for severe storms across much of the state as well.

Will There Be Severe Weather in Louisiana Today?

But for the next few days, at least through Memorial Day, the primary weather threat is not severe storms; it will be heavy downpours. This could impede your ability to see clearly on high-speed roadways and could cause ponding of water in lanes of travel.

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Just because there is a higher than average threat of rain and storms doesn't mean you won't get some sunshine or have some quality time by the pool. Showers will be scattered, and the holiday weekend won't be a washout, but you will want to stay connected to us for the latest breaking weather information.

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That app is pretty handy for traffic information, too. If you do plan to travel out of town, make sure you check in with us on the way home for the latest traffic information and to catch up on what you may have missed while you were out of town for the holiday weekend.

And if you are on the road and you find the need for nourishment, give these places a look; you'll be glad that you did.