As the floodwaters start to go down in Lafayette, Jaron Tolliver, a local resident, captured some drone footage that gives us a look at the effects of this morning’s flash flooding along Ambassador Caffery Parkway, from Willow to Guilbeau. Just hours after the heaviest rain, the footage shows a lot of traffic and flooded intersections on one of the busiest roads in Lafayette.

Tolliver, who filmed the footage, was himself caught in rising waters at Dulles and Ambassador after picking up his child from school when Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) canceled classes due to the severe weather conditions.

The unexpected flooding has once again raised concerns among residents, some of whom had hoped that recent drainage improvements would mitigate issues like these.

The heavy rain and quick buildup really put a strain on the local drainage systems, showing just how tough it can be to handle those big storms.

What to Do if You Sustained Flood Damage

The Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) is asking residents who experienced home damage to report it through Louisiana’s official online reporting tool. The portal, available at [damage.la.gov](https://damage.la.gov), is a resource provided by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to collect vital data on the severity and distribution of property damage. This information helps local, state, and federal agencies coordinate recovery efforts and assess the need for further assistance.

Here’s What You Should Know:
- Document Everything: Homeowners should take thorough photos of any flood-related damage to assist both in the damage reporting process and with insurance claims.
- Reporting vs. Insurance: While the damage report helps officials assess the impact, homeowners should still file claims with their insurance providers. Remember, reporting damage through the portal does not automatically guarantee federal assistance.

To report flood damage and get additional information, visit damage.la.gov

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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