Historic, Catastrophic, life threatening Flooding Continues Across South Louisiana

Historic, catastrophic, and life threatening flooding continues across South Louisiana this evening.
 
Over 2’ of rain has fallen across most of South Louisiana over the past two days causing historical flooding. The flooding has caused road closures – including interstates, destroyed homes and businesses, led to hundreds of water rescues, and killed 3 people.
 
Presently most of the rain across South Louisiana has dissipated. Only a few patches of light to moderate rain remain.
 

RIVER FLOODING

However, rivers started rising today causing flooding. Many have reached flood stage and are expected to crest at moderate to major flood stage by tonight.
Forecast water level for Amite River in Denham Springs, Louisiana
Forecast crest for Amite River in Denham Springs, Louisiana
 
Some rivers such as the Amite River in Denham Springs, Louisiana have already reached major flood stage; and it is forecast to crest at historic levels.
 
Rivers that reach flood stage will remain at flood stage through mid-week next week.
 

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL

In addition to the river flooding, heavy rainfall is expected to re-develop again overnight across Southwest Louisiana causing additional flash flooding.
HRRR Simulated radar valid 12:00am CDT tonight
HRRR Simulated radar valid 12:00am CDT tonight
 
The rain that develops tomorrow overnight will be very similar to today’s and will persist through much of the day tomorrow. Additional rainfall accumulations of 4 – 8” are expected across Southwest Louisiana tomorrow.
 
As a result, flash flood watches remain in effect through tomorrow.
We will have another update out tomorrow.
 

EVACUATIONS

Evacuations have been issued all across South Louisiana where additional flooding is expected.
If you have been ordered to evacuate do so; It is very likely that life threatening flooding will occur in your area. For information regarding evacuation orders and evacuation shelters in your area you should check with your local officials.
Also, remember turn around don’t drown! For flood safety and preparedness tips go here.
We will have another update out tomorrow.
For future updates follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  
Caleb Carmichael
Caleb Carmichael

Caleb is the owner of Gulf Coast Storm Center. He is currently an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University majoring in geoscience with a concentration in broadcast and operational meteorology. While not yet a meteorologist, Caleb has been providing weather updates, news, and analysis for the Gulf Coast since 2014.

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