Tropical Storm Cindy update
Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to make landfall near the Louisiana/Texas state line later this evening into Thursday morning and bring 3 to 5 inches of rain and sustained winds of up to 50 miles per hour, officials said during a news conference Wednesday morning.
Roger Erickson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Lake Charles office, told local officials that Cindy is expected to weaken upon landfall. The storm could still bring heavy rainfall, with up to 10 inches in areas located near the stronger rain bands.
Cindy could also bring a slight risk of tornadoes. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour could last up to 24 hours in Calcasieu Parish.
High tides are expected to increase, with Erickson saying they could run 2 to 3 feet above normal through Thursday. The rising tides could cause minor coastal flooding at La. 82 west and east of Holly Beach and downtown Cameron, along with Sabine Pass and Port Arthur.
Erickson said areas along the Interstate 10 corridor could experience flooding because water does not drain as well during above-normal high tides.
Calcasieu Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Dick Gremillion said evacuation orders do not appear likely. He said residents living in travel trailers should consider staying at another location, and scattered power outages are expected.
Gremillion said residents should check drainage culverts to make sure they are free of debris to help them drain easier.
Calcasieu Police Jury President Kevin Guidry said officials are taking Cindy seriously.
“We want to be prepared here in Calcasieu Parish,” he said. “You never know how these things can turn out.”
Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said local officials are prepared for whatever Cindy brings.
“Those of us who have lived here for some time are accustomed to these situations,” he said.
Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan urged residents to use extreme caution when navigating roadways that may be barricaded to avoid pushing floodwater into homes.
Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso said deputies and other law enforcement have assets on both sides of the Calcasieu River to assist residents in case flooding occurs. Mancuso said he doesn’t anticipate roads to flood enough to require any road closures.
The next weather briefing is scheduled for 4 p.m.