Louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal declared state of emergencies in four parishes Tuesday after torrential rains pounded the region, causing flash flooding. A state of emergency was declared for Acadia, St. Martin, Lafayette and St Landry parishes. While no injury reports came in, nearly 80 people had to be rescued from flood waters in Carenco, a town in Lafayette parish with more people having to evacuate their homes there.
Anywhere from between six and fifteen inches of rain has been reported across Louisiana thus far. The slow moving storm system is continuing to hammer the state and could cause more flash floods, hail and possibly tornadoes. Heavy rains have closed at least a dozen school systems Wednesday in Cajun country. There is localized flooding being reported in several communities across the state as many homes and businesses are being inundated by dirty flood water. The ground is simply not able to absorb such heavy amounts of rain that is falling in a short period of time.
A severe thunderstorm warning was put in effect for East Baton Rouge parish Wednesday morning by the New Orleans office of the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms with winds in excess of 60 miles per hour are forecast. That type of wind can cause tree limbs to fall and can also pick up small, unsecured objects. Heavy rains and lightening are also expected today which will make commuting to and from work perilous for tens of thousands of local residents. Forecasters also warn that coastal flooding could take place in southeastern Louisiana. This is because strong southeast winds are continuing to be created by the combination of high pressure over the southeast and low pressure over the southern plains.
The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) in Baton Rouge is monitoring the weather and is in touch with local emergency preparedness offices. The director of GOHSEP Kevin Davis, released a statement last night telling area residents that they should take precautionary measures by stocking up on supplies in case they are trapped inside their homes due to flooded streets. He also reminded people of the importance of not walking or driving through flood waters as it is very dangerous to do so.
The severe weather will keep local cleanup companies busy trying to dry out and remove excess water to allow restoration professionals to begin the long process of getting properties returned to their original conditions. For homeowners who have failed to obtain flood insurance, this often means turning to FEMA and asking for a grant through an emergency declaration.
