Heavy Rain to Drench Southern Louisiana

Springlike weather will continue for Texas and the Gulf Coast tonight where isolated thunderstorms and plenty of showers will occur. 

A low pressure system moving through the south-central U.S. will drag a cold front through eastern Texas and the Gulf Coast tonight and Friday. With substantial moisture from the Gulf of Mexico being sucked in, showers will be plentiful across the Gulf Coast. 

The Storm Prediction Center still has a Slight Risk out for portions of eastern Texas and southern Louisiana, including Pasadena, Texas and Lafayette and Lake Charles, La., but latest guidance suggests that severe storms will not be likely tonight. Instead, catch a few isolated thunderstorms with small hail possible the remainder of tonight. 

The main focus will be rainfall. With the excessive moisture, heavy rainfall is anticipated for the Gulf Coast into Friday morning. The bulk of the rain will be confined to the western Gulf Coast where 1.5 to 3.5 inches of rain will be common, particularly near Lafayette, La. Anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 inches can occur from Houston to the Texas and Louisiana border. One to 2 inches will also be possible in New Orleans. This much rain in a short amount of time could trigger flooding. It is always best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” if you approach a flooded roadway.

Have a way to receive alerts such as downloading the WeatherBug App or paying attention to local authorities should any be issued. If a watch is issued for your location, have a plan in place since conditions will be deemed “favorable” for severe weather. If a warning is issued, you’ll need to act fast to prevent loss of life and damage to property since severe weather will be “imminent” at that time. If all else fails, remember that “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”