Weather Service: Severe Storms, Flooding Rains Likely for Weekend

(KMDL-FM) The weather in Louisiana has been spectacular as of late. However, the outlook for our weekend includes the threat of flooding rains, severe storms, and possible tornadoes. Which would mean a significant change from the current weather conditions we're experiencing.

We've had wonderfully cool and comfortable mornings and pleasant warm afternoons. The humidity has been low enough so that those who want to style their hair can do so without fear of failure, and the lack of rain has meant yard mowing hasn't been an every-week proposition. We should experience similar conditions today, but as of Friday, you can expect changes to begin moving in.

Get our free mobile app

How Much Rainfall Could Louisiana Receive This Weekend?

Friday's slight chances of showers will yield to a much larger threat of showers and storms. Some of those storms during the day on Saturday could be heavy to severe. Here is the heavy rain threat for the area as outlined by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles. 

The Weather Prediction Center is also cautioning that some of those larger rainfall totals could come over a very short period of time. Should that happen, there will be a risk of street flooding and localized flooding in low-lying areas that typically drain slowly.

Meanwhile, flooding rains are not the only concern that residents will need to be cognizant of from early Saturday morning until mid-afternoon on Sunday. That other concern is the threat of strong storms and severe weather. Many of those storms on Saturday and Sunday could contain strong gusty winds, heavy rains, frequent lightning, and there is a possibility of small hail.

What Parts of Louisiana Could See Severe Storms This Weekend?

The area of the state most likely to see a severe weather event on Saturday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, is the southwestern third of the state. That does include the cities of Lake Charles, Crowley, Abbeville, and Lafayette.

If you're wondering how to plan for the weekend, here is the way the forecast models have the showers and storms timed out. In South Louisiana, we can expect the heavier showers and storms to move into the area after Noon.

Rain chances of 60% or more will likely be in the forecast for Saturday afternoon hours. The threat of rain and thunderstorms will jump to 80% for Saturday night. The forecast for Sunday morning also includes a healthy threat of rain and storms. The rain chance on Sunday morning right now is listed at 80% by National Weather Service forecasters.

No, it won't be a total washout this weekend. You should be able to plan for outside activities on Saturday morning and again on Sunday afternoon. You should still expect the threat of sprinkles even late on Sunday, and that small chance of rain will stick with us through the daylight hours of Monday.