A deluge of rain forecast for today and Wednesday could lead to flash flooding and swollen rivers and streams, meteorologists said.
The National Weather Service in Slidell, La., said Wednesday morning that the threat of severe storms has increased, and heavy rain could lead to flash flooding today and tonight. That expectation decreases some on Wednesday, forecasters said.
Forecasts are calling for 4-6 inches of rain and as much as 8 inches in isolated areas.
In addition to intense rainfall, the storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes today and tonight.
The bad weather is expected to arrive this evening and remain through Wednesday, forecasters said.
Areas at the greatest risk of flash flooding are along and north of the I-10 corridor, from New Orleans to the Gulf Coast and including Southwest Mississippi.
“Confidence remains high that heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding, including some significant flash flooding, will impact portions of the area tonight into Wednesday morning,” a weather advisory said.
Winds over 60 mph, an isolated tornado, and hail of 1 inch in diameter or larger could accompany any severe storms that develop this afternoon into this evening, forecasters said.
