Flash flooding swamps vehicles around New Orleans as atmosphere reloads with Gulf moisture
The same weather pattern that’s delivering above-average temperatures across much of the Lower 48 has allowed moisture to build up along the Gulf Coast, leading to the increased risk of flash flooding and strong thunderstorms.
Storm, flooding threat continues for Gulf Coast through Saturday
An additional 1-3 inches of rainfall is expected for communities between the Gulf Coast and the Interstate 20 corridor.
NEW ORLEANS – Flash Flood Warnings including a Flood Emergency were issued across the South and along the Gulf Coast Wednesday as torrential rain continued to fall across the region.
The heaviest rainfall was reported around the New Orleans metro, where rainfall rates reached around 1-2 inches per hour. In Mandeville, Louisiana, flash flooding submerged cars and appeared to enter some homes and businesses. The National Weather Service estimated that between 4.5 and 6.5 inches of rain fell during a short time period.
The same weather pattern that’s delivering above-average temperatures across much of the Lower 48 has allowed moisture to build up along the Gulf Coast, leading to the increased risk of flash flooding and strong to severe thunderstorms.
FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Flash flood risk expands along Gulf Coast
The flash flood risk has shifted farther east each day this week, and NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) had placed portions of East Texas, a majority of Louisiana and areas of southwestern Mississippi at a Level 3 out of 4 risk for flooding Wednesday. The risk dropped to Level 2 on Thursday.
Flood Warnings have been issued across the region due to runoff that's raising river and lake levels.
Flooding north of Houston triggered Montgomery County Mark Keough to issue a disaster declaration on Wednesday. Lake Conroe was reported to be at least two feet above normal, forcing road closures and evacuations.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE REVAMPS FLOOD ALERTS
How much more rain will fall in the Southeast?
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a wide swath of the Gulf Coast and Southeast could pick up 1-3 inches of additional rainfall through the end of the week, with isolated areas approaching 5 inches of precipitation.
Many of the communities that stand to see rainfall are dealing with a precipitation deficit, so the rainfall will be welcome news.
More than 95% of counties in Mississippi and 100% of the parishes that make up Louisiana are coping with unusually dry or drought conditions.
The FOX Forecast Center said it expects the wet pattern to relax over the weekend, which will lead to some drier days.