A weather system is expected to impact Southwest Louisiana today through Thursday, bringing at least four inches of rainfall, a local weather official said Monday.

Kent Kuyper, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, said most of the rain could hit the area on Wednesday. He said people could see some severe weather over the next couple of days.

“Storms like this are typical for this time of year,” Kuyper said.

The Calcasieu Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness issued an advisory Monday to make people aware of the storm system. OEP Director Dick Gremillion said some roads could flood, especially because of the rainfall from last weekend.

“The ground is already saturated,” he said. “So, we could see flooding in roads and streets. Ditches and drainage laterals will also be full.”

Gremillion said homeowners should check their gutters to make sure they are clear of obstructions and should also check storm drains or culverts so that stormwater can flow easily.

Drivers who encounter any high water should turn around and avoid it during heavy rains, Gremillion said.

For more information, call the Calcasieu OEP at 721-3800.

Calcasieu Parish residents and business owners could end up paying higher flood insurance premiums because of the 2012 Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. (American Press Archives)