Louisiana Faces Torrential Rain Threat With Up to 4 Inches Expected as Gulf System Moves Inland
BATON ROUGE, LA — A powerful Gulf system is expected to unleash torrential rainfall across southern Louisiana through Thursday night, with forecasters warning of 3 to 4 inches of rain and localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas. Meteorologists say the storm will linger over the Gulf Coast through midnight Thursday, dropping heavy downpours that could transform streets and driveways into shallow rivers.
The latest model from WeatherBell Analytics shows a large swath of the state — particularly south of Interstate 10 — under intense rainfall bands, with the heaviest accumulation centered between Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Rain totals in these areas could exceed 3.5 inches, while northern regions such as Shreveport may see less than 0.25 inches.
Heavy Rainfall Targets Southern Louisiana
According to forecasters, this system is being fueled by deep tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, which has surged inland under a stalled frontal boundary. The result: a near-constant feed of moist, unstable air colliding with cooler conditions over the state, creating ideal conditions for prolonged, heavy rain.
Radar projections show the most severe rainfall occurring from Thursday afternoon through midnight, with the potential for embedded thunderstorms that could produce short bursts of intense rainfall rates exceeding one inch per hour.
“We’re looking at a flooding concern, not just puddles,” one Baton Rouge forecaster cautioned. “If you live south of I-10, you should prepare for heavy, relentless rainfall through the night.”
Flooding Concerns and Safety Warnings
The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches across portions of southern Louisiana, warning residents that flood-prone areas may quickly become impassable. Communities near Houma, New Iberia, and Lake Charles are especially vulnerable to rising water levels in ditches and creeks.
By Thursday night, some regions could experience temporary street flooding, water pooling in driveways, and potential power outages from wind gusts or fallen branches. Officials are urging residents to:
- Avoid driving through flooded roads, even if water appears shallow.
- Secure outdoor items that could be carried off by runoff.
- Prepare for possible power fluctuations as saturated ground weakens infrastructure.
“Turn around, don’t drown” remains the rule, emergency management officials reiterated Thursday morning.
Rain Totals Highlight Sharp Contrast Across State
The rainfall map highlights a dramatic divide: while southern Louisiana may endure 3–4 inches of rain, areas farther north — such as Monroe and Shreveport — will likely receive less than half an inch, staying largely on the northern fringe of the system.
Meteorologists explain that this uneven pattern is typical for winter Gulf systems, where tropical moisture funnels into the southern parishes while northern Louisiana remains relatively dry under cooler air.
Outlook: Conditions Improve by Friday
The storm system is expected to gradually weaken by early Friday, allowing drier air to filter in from Texas. Sunshine should return by the weekend, with temperatures climbing into the 60s and lingering humidity tapering off.
Still, forecasters caution that any additional rainfall Friday morning could worsen ongoing flooding in already saturated areas.
Residents across southern Louisiana are encouraged to stay alert for weather advisories and check for updated alerts from the National Weather Service as the situation evolves overnight.
For continued weather coverage and safety updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
