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Ex-tropical disturbance could still unleash flooding rains over Louisiana's coast

Ex-tropical disturbance could still unleash flooding rains over Louisiana's coast

Yahoo19-07-2025
A former tropical disturbance being watched by hurricane forecasters failed to form into a tropical depression before reaching the Louisiana coast, but it still threatens downpours and flash flooding as it marches inland on July 18, forecasters said.
The system, previously called Invest 93L, is already causing thunderstorms and scattered showers just southwest of New Orleans, the Storm Prediction Center said.
Flood watches blanket much of the southern half of Louisiana through midday July 19, according to the National Weather Service. The risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding from this system is highest along the I-10/12 corridor and south of it, the weather service office in New Orleans said. Flooding concerns extend along the coastal plain from Houston, Texas, to Pensacola, Florida, forecasters said.
Downpours with rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour could lead to ponding of water in areas that are low-lying and have poor drainage, leading to flooding of some roads, the weather service said. In areas with the heaviest rainfall, some structures could also become flooded. The risk of rain continues through the weekend, but the flash flooding threat over the weekend will depend on how much total rain falls between July 17 and 18, the weather service in New Orleans said.
"Even a poorly organized tropical rainstorm can still produce localized torrential downpours that can lead to incidents of dangerous flash flooding," AccuWeather said.
Flooded streets were reported in LaPlace, Destrehan, Luling and New Sarpy, Louisiana, on July 17, according to the National Weather Service. About an inch of water made it into some Luling homes, the preliminary local storm reports said. Video posted to social media showed streets and yards flooded in Luling.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
How much rain could fall?
Lingering moisture from the weather system will bring rainbands to the Texas and Arkansas borders, impacting the lower and mid-Mississippi Valleys with potential flash flooding this weekend, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Some parts of southeastern Louisiana have already seen between about 4 and 8 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, with another 1 to 3 inches possible through July 19, AccuWeather said.
Here are some recorded rainfall totals for the last 48 hours, according to AccuWeather:
7.91 inches of rain in Pierre Part, Louisiana
6.21 inches of rain in Little Woods, Louisiana
5.94 inches of rain in Desire Area, Louisiana
4.70 inches of rain in LaPlace, Louisiana
4.67 inches of rain in Houma, Louisiana
4.33 inches of rain at University of Louisiana Lafayette
3.99 inches of rain in Prairieville, Louisiana
3.86 inches of rain in Gonzales, Louisiana
3.74 inches of rain in Thibodaux, Louisiana
2.89 inches of rain in Iota, Louisiana
Rip currents a threat along Gulf Coast
As the system brings heavy rains along the Gulf Coast, dangerous rip currents are also a hazard for swimmers headed to beaches in states along the coast.
The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, said on July 18 that rip current risk is high for several Alabama and Florida beaches but will improve over the weekend.
"The best idea... Just stay out of the water," forecasters there said.
Rip currents, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore, can drag a swimmer way out into the ocean and exhaust them trying to fight their way out. At least three dozen other people have died so far in 2025 in surf zone-related incidents, with the majority caught by rip currents, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Prepare now for potential hurricanes
Experts say it's important to be prepared for potential future hurricanes before the threat is imminent. Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
Stay prepared: Here's what you should do to prep for hurricanes
Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Louisiana sees flash flood risk from former tropical disturbance
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