Louisiana and Mississippi are bracing for heavy rains and potentially dangerous flooding as a tropical disturbance moves in.
The storm, currently centered just off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is unlikely to strengthen to a tropical depression.
The heaviest rain is expected on Thursday from the coast to Lafayette, Louisiana, where a significant risk for flash flooding is possible.
Rainfall rates could reach 3 to 4 inches per hour amid the multiple rounds of heavy rain.
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In New Orleans, city buildings are closed on Thursday as a precaution, officials said.
“Please take this seriously,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a news conference on Wednesday.
“We urge all residents to be on guard for potential heavy rainfall and possibly flash flooding,” she said. “I have been seeing … how other cities have been impacted by rainfall in the past couple of days, and again, that should be something we should be mindful of as we prepare.”
Lighter showers will continue in western Louisiana on Friday and into Saturday morning. Given the saturated ground, flooding will remain a risk.
Flash flood watches are in effect in southern Mississippi and southern Louisiana.
The eastern side of these watches, including in New Orleans and Mississippi, will expire Friday night. Three to 6 inches of rain is expected there, with up to 10 inches possible in the most extreme cases.
The western side of the watch — including Lafayette, Louisiana, and Lake Charles, Louisiana — is in effect through Saturday. Four to 7 inches of rain is expected, with localized rainfall up to 15 inches possible in the most extreme circumstance.
