KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

Here we go again with another strong weather system to bring heavy rains to the region.  Once again moisture returned from the Gulf of Mexico today with surprising gusto.  We meteorologists dread El Nino years because severe weather is more active over the region, the rain events are more extreme, and the forecast “bust potential” goes way up. All comments aside, we do have a Flood Watch in effect for all of Acadiana through tomorrow. Rainfall totals between this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon should be generally in the 2-4 inch range, but unfortunately there will likely be isolated areas that receive 5-8 inches of rain, or better.  And right now, the highest risk of an 8-10 rain is generally in the same areas that received better than a foot of rain Monday…across eastern Texas into western Louisiana.  Locally I think Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Evangeline, Jeff Davis, Acadia and St Landry Parishes (and points to the north) will be under the greatest threat for flooding…but none of us will be void of the flood threat.  In addition, with the approach of a moderately strong cold front, there may be a severe weather risk for very late tonight into tomorrow.  The main severe weather threat would be damaging winds, but we can’t rule out an isolated tornado.  Cooler drier conditions will move in for Friday, but yet another system will arrive by Sunday.  But the next one will bring in much cooler air and a longer period between weather systems. You may want to check out the NWS post analysis of Monday’s event…interesting stuff.