Central Texas and Louisiana Face Life-Threatening Flash Flooding
Heavy rain has begun to hammer much of Central Texas and all of Louisiana, prompting urgent warnings about potential flash flooding. The rain started late Sunday night and continued into Monday, with the National Weather Service advising residents to steer clear of low-lying areas.
By Monday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned of an escalating threat from heavy rain stretching from southern Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley over the coming days.
A mix of tropical moisture and upper-level disturbances, influenced by conditions across the Gulf Coast, is expected to lead to substantial rainfall—locally up to 4 to 6 inches—over the next three days, particularly along the Texas coastline, Louisiana, and through the Mississippi Valley.
The NWS has warned that heavy rain is anticipated to affect major cities in the South, including San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Houston in Texas, and New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Shreveport in Louisiana. Additionally, cities in Mississippi, like Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi, are also under threat of flooding.
In Central Texas, particularly San Antonio, a major flood warning was issued overnight. Residents were urged to avoid travel unless evacuating from areas at risk of flooding. Over 30 roads and highways in San Antonio and Bexar County were closed, as flash flood warnings persisted until Monday afternoon.
Reports indicate that at least 75 low water crossings around the Austin area have been shut down due to flash flooding risks, causing significant damage to local roads and drainage systems.
In Waco, Texas, heavy rainfall stranded motorists on Interstate 35 as water levels rose alarmingly late Sunday. Rescue efforts are underway as responders work to help those affected by the rising waters. To assist stalled drivers, the Texas Department of Public Safety opened an access road on Monday through a flooded section of the busy interstate.
A flood watch issued by the NWS in New Orleans will remain active through Friday for a large part of southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Monday and Tuesday. Residents in flood-risk areas are being advised to keep away from low-lying regions near rivers and streams, as well as urban locales with inadequate drainage.
