WEATHER WATCH: Severe thunderstorms expected this afternoon, tonight
Published 10:13 am Monday, May 13, 2024
Another round of severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon into tonight.
Storms will be capable of producing damaging winds over 60 mph, large, destructive hail and tornadoes, National Weather Service Lake Charles Storm Warning Coordinator Doug Cramer said.
“A warm threat today is going to be very important as these thunderstorms develop,” Cramer said. “It’s laid up just a little bit north of Interstate 10. The combination of this upper-level disturbance and the proximity of a nearly stationary frontal boundary will provide a focus for torrential rainfall and severe thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight.”
In addition to the severe weather threat, storms will also be capable of torrential rainfall that could lead to flash flooding — especially in areas that have seen above-normal rainfall this spring, Cramer said
A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for portions of Southeast Texas and central Louisiana until 7 p.m. tonight.
“We’re expecting some very intense rainfall,” Cramer said. “Two to five inches of rain has already fallen over parts of the watch area yesterday. Additional rainfall totals between 2-4 inches with localized totals of 6 inches or more will be possible today and tonight.”
He said there are two sets of storms heading this way — the first one will bring scattered torrential rain noon-3 p.m. and could effect school bus commutes. He said the second set is a potentially destructive set of squall lines expected to hit 4-9 p.m.
“We could see some tornadoes with that squall line,” he said. “Once that squall line gets going, we could see some nickel-size hail but the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes are concerning.”
Cramer said drier conditions are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, but another series of disturbances will bring the potential for flash flooding Thursday.
“This would be additional rainfall Thursday and into Friday in addition to what we receive today.”
Beauregard Parish Schools will be released at 2 p.m. today.