A spring storm, heavy with moisture, is currently drenching multiple Gulf Coast states, with one city potentially experiencing up to 10 inches of rainfall before the storm clears the area.
The rain started on Monday, and by Wednesday morning, additional storms will pass through the region, bringing with them heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions, including widespread and powerful tornadoes. The states at the greatest risk are Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Ahead of the storms, some areas of southern Arkansas have already received flood watch and flood warning advisories.
Louisiana has already experienced heavy rainfall, with several inches of rain already falling and more precipitation expected in the coming days.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Shreveport, Louisiana, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning that there is still a chance of severe weather throughout the day today and into Wednesday.
According to a tweet, there is an anticipation of ongoing heavy rainfall until Wednesday, which poses an escalated risk of Flash Flooding. The forecast predicts widespread rainfall ranging from 3-6 inches, with isolated areas receiving as much as 6-8 inches of additional precipitation.
The NWS office has also released a map illustrating the potential rainfall totals anticipated as the storm exits the region on Thursday. Monroe, Louisiana is predicted to receive the highest amount of rainfall, with an estimated 8 to 10 inches. Other areas that may experience significant precipitation include Homer, El Dorado, and Jonesboro, with expected totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches. Shreveport, on the other hand, is projected to receive around 4 to 6 inches of rainfall from the storm.
According to Armani Cassel, a meteorologist from NWS, the storm is generating several rounds of rainfall. Cassel describes the storm as a multi-hazard event, bringing various severe weather threats to the area. These threats include damaging winds, potential tornadoes, and hail.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has expressed concern over the potential for flooding in eight states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Currently, flood watches have been issued for these states, with flood warnings already in effect in various areas.
On Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Shreveport issued a flood warning for certain areas.
The office reported that the flooding in urban areas and small streams persists due to heavy rainfall.
The Shreveport forecast region has identified Northeast Texas as being at the highest risk for floods. This includes counties such as Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk, and Smith.
According to the warning issued, there is an imminent or ongoing flooding situation in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. The streams are still rising as a result of excessive runoff from previous rainfall. It is important to note that the low-water crossings are currently submerged with water and may not be accessible.
Cassel mentioned that although there has been a lot of rain recently, it is not unusual for this time of year in the region.
