Breaking Weather Alert: Washington Parish Faces 36 Hours of Heavy Rainfall and Severe Storm Threat
Published 12:24 pm Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
WASHINGTON PARISH, La. – Residents are bracing for an extended period of inclement weather as the National Weather Service issues a detailed forecast. This afternoon, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with some storms capable of producing significant precipitation—between 3 and 4 inches. The high temperature is forecasted to be around 71, accompanied by shifting winds from south to north at 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 100%.
Tonight, the weather conditions persist, with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The low temperature is projected to be around 63, and southeast winds at 10 mph will continue to bring heavy rain. New rainfall amounts are estimated to range between a half and three-quarters of an inch.
Thursday brings the continuation of showers and thunderstorms, particularly before 3 pm, and an increased likelihood of these weather patterns persisting into the evening. The high temperature is expected to reach 73, with a south wind of 5 to 10 mph. The precipitation chance remains at 100%, and new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are anticipated.
As night falls on Thursday, there is still a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, transitioning to showers likely after midnight. The cloudy conditions persist, with a low around 60, and a shift in wind direction from south to northeast after midnight.
Friday maintains the threat of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 71. The east wind at 5 to 10 mph becomes south in the morning, and the chance of precipitation stands at 80%. Friday night carries a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, continuing into the early hours of Saturday.
Meteorologist Mike Efferson from the National Weather Service emphasizes the gravity of the situation, forecasting approximately 36 hours of heavy rainfall for Washington Parish. A line of storms is currently traversing the area, bringing the potential for 3 to 6 inches of rain and posing an imminent risk of flash flooding. Wind speeds are expected to range between 15 and 20 mph, with a slight risk of severe thunderstorms featuring wind speeds of up to 60 mph. Additionally, isolated tornado threats loom, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.