KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

A Flood Watch has been issued for the area in anticipation of at least 2-4” of rain.  Our in-house models have consistently supported rainfall amounts of 3-5” area-wide with isolated hot spots in the 7-9” range.  This will translate to localized street flooding with some homes possibly being threatened by flooding rains as our grounds have been fairly saturated and will only take about 3-4” before run-off issues commence.  In addition, there is still a severe weather threat overnight through mid-afternoon tomorrow as the wind dynamics will remain strong.  Fortunately the strongest dynamics will come in an unfavorable part of the diurnal cycle where daytime heating will not be a factor adding to the instability.  Nonetheless, with a low-mid level jet in the 70-80mph range, it may not take much for rotating thunderstorms to develop and push some of those damaging winds with the downdrafts to push down to the surface.  Isolated tornadoes, especially over the northern part of Acadiana into Central Louisiana, are certainly possible after midnight.  I would expect either a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch to be issued for the area through the late night and at least morning hours tomorrow.  Stay with KATC for the latest, we’ll be here watching the radars and will provide weather updates as needed.