Strong Storms Rumbling Across Louisiana – More Flooding Possible

(Lake Charles, LA) The National Weather Service Radar out of Lake Charles is painting an ominous picture for residents of South Louisiana this morning. The radar scan from about 3:30 am shows a significant line of very heavy thunderstorms marching across the state.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office out of Lake Charles issued a Special Weather Statement in regards to this storm. That statement suggested that residents of Evangline, Beauregard, Avoyelles, St Landry, and Allen Parishes should be weather aware and cognizant of fast-changing weather conditions over the next few hours.

What Is Louisiana's Severe Weather Threat This Morning?

The storms in question have wind gusts of 50 mph or more, which could knock down limbs and some power lines. The damaging winds could also cause minor damage to outbuildings and other objects that are not secured. There have also been reports of pea-sized hail in connection with some of the heavier thunderstorm cells in this line.

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The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Louisiana at risk for more severe storms later today and tonight. The greatest threat for severe weather will be in the northern and central parts of the state, generally north of US 190. However, there is a smaller risk for severe storms south of US 190, extended to the Gulf Coast.

In addition to the gusty winds we described earlier, many of these storms will also carry a threat for flash flooding. You might recall the Lafayette area was inundated last week when thunderstorm cells remained stationary for several hours. This created rainfall amounts of six to eight inches in Lafayette, Youngsville, and Broussard.

What Is The Weekend Forecast For Louisiana This Weekend?

Based on Weather Service guidance, residents of Louisiana along and South of I-10 might dodge this morning's storms, but you will get your chance at stormy weather on Friday night. The current forecast suggests rain chances ramping up late Friday into early Saturday morning.  Here's the severe weather outlook for Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

There is a potential for severe storms during the day on Friday for the region but it does look as though the biggest threat will come in the form of heavy rainfall in individual thunderstorm cells. The National Weather Service forecast does include a significant threat of rainstorms from after 5 pm Friday through the middle of the day on Saturday.

Following this storm system, conditions should be rather quiet as we move into the workweek next week. Oh, and we do get some flooding rains this morning, please Turn Around, Don't Drown.