Gulf Coast Soaked by Heavy Rain as Slow-Moving Storm Drenches Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
NEW ORLEANS, La. — A slow-moving rain system is drenching the Gulf Coast this morning, spreading steady downpours from eastern Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, according to the latest radar data.
Forecasters say the storm, fed by deep Gulf moisture, will continue to release heavy, soaking rain throughout the day, leading to localized flooding and slick travel conditions in several areas.
Rainfall Expands Across Multiple States
Radar imagery early Thursday showed a wide stretch of rain — with the heaviest activity concentrated over southern Louisiana, coastal Mississippi, and southwest Alabama, where rainfall rates have reached one inch per hour in some pockets.
By mid-morning, steady showers extended eastward across Montgomery, Dothan, and parts of western Georgia, while lighter rain bands reached into Atlanta and northern Florida.
“It’s the kind of rain where you step outside and instantly look like you just ran through a car wash,” one Gulf Coast resident said, describing the unrelenting downpour.
Flooding and Travel Concerns
The National Weather Service warned that saturated grounds and poor drainage areas could lead to street and urban flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods near New Orleans, Gulfport, and Mobile.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways, as water may conceal deeper hazards and stalled vehicles. Officials also remind travelers that visibility can drop quickly under heavy rain bands, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
Umbrellas offered little help for some as the rain fell vertically and heavily — what meteorologists call a “tropical-style downpour.”
Persistent Gulf Moisture Keeping Rain in Place
The system’s intensity is being driven by a broad plume of Gulf moisture interacting with a weak frontal boundary, trapping showers across the region.
Rainfall totals through Thursday night are expected to range from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.
“Umbrellas won’t cut it,” one meteorologist said. “This is poncho and rain boot weather all the way.”
Forecast: Drying Trend Expected Late Friday
Forecasters expect the storm to gradually move east by late Friday, allowing for improving conditions across Louisiana and Mississippi. However, showers will linger across parts of Georgia and northern Florida into the weekend before drier air fully arrives.
Despite the soggy conditions, no severe weather is expected, and temperatures are expected to remain mild in the 60s and low 70s.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to stay alert for local flooding advisories and to monitor travel conditions as the storm continues.
For ongoing weather coverage and updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
