Heavy rains are clogging roads in southern Louisiana and causing flash flooding

LAFAYETTE, La. – A deluge of tropical rains made for a sodden and dangerous commute to work Wednesday morning for some in southern Louisiana, where flooding occurred.

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a flash flood warning for St. Landry Parish, Central Lafayette Parish, East Acadia Parish and St. Martin Parish in the northwest, which is expected to last through Wednesday morning.

Between 2 and 3 inches of rain had already fallen across southeast and central Louisiana, and another 2 inches is possible in the flash flood area.

Lafayette police warned that some roads were impassable due to flooding. Ambassador Caffery from Eraste Landry to Kaliste Saloom was impassable on Wednesday morning.

“Due to its length, the road cannot be closed, but motorists are advised to look for alternative routes,” police said.

Water flooded a south Lafayette neighborhood Wednesday, with water entering homes and garages, according to resident Tammi Win.

Win said the water began to recede late Wednesday morning.

Flooding in Lafayette, Louisiana on November 13, 2024.

Photos shared by Michael Lafleur with FOX Weather show flooding on the road on the way to a school in Lafayette Parish on Wednesday morning.

“We almost had to drive through a river to school today,” he wrote. “The students are soaked!”

Flooding in Lafayette, Louisiana on November 13, 2024.

(@MICHAELLAF39716/X)

According to the LPSS Facebook page, the Lafayette Parish School System closed some campuses shortly after flash flooding began.

A flood warning remains in effect for Louisiana's Clacasieu River near Oberlin, which remains above 16 feet – 3 feet above flood stage in Lake Charles, according to the NWS.