24-Hour Rainfall Record in Louisiana Broken

(Avoyelles, Louisiana) - Our neighbors north of Acadiana are still recovering after record rainfall fell during the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur.

Hundreds of homes were flooded in parts of central Louisiana, and many had to be rescued by emergency officials as the water rose so quickly.

In viral videos, we saw several feet of water in homes, animals swimming in flooded waters, and others retreating to higher places like trees.

How much rain fell in parts of central Louisiana in 24-hours? Well, enough to break a long-standing record in our state.

The previous record for the amount of rain that fell in one day in Louisiana was 22 inches, which occurred in Hackberry on August 29, 1962. That record has now been broken after Tropical Storm Arthur impacted parts of central Louisiana

Record Rainfall in Louisiana

According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, "A CoCoRaHS observer measured 29.06 inches of rain three miles southeast of Cottonport, Louisiana."

Yes, you read that correctly: nearly 30 inches of rain fell within 24 hours in central Louisiana. Now, much of that water is draining into the upper parts of St. Landry Parish, and officials are telling some residents to seek higher ground as water levels in streams and gullies rise.

READ MORE: See Video of Bear in Tree As Water Rises

READ MORE: Watch Man Attempt to Rescue Pigs in Flooded Water 

For those in St. Landry Parish who need to evacuate, the Yambilee Building in Opelousas has been designated as a shelter, and the American Red Cross is on site assisting those who have to leave their homes.

We will continue to monitor water levels in St. Landry Parish, but if you live near a waterway, you need to monitor your property and the surrounding areas very closely as record rainfall drains into the upper parts of Acadiana.

Let us note here that this new record rainfall in Louisiana is considered preliminary until certified by the National Center for Environmental Information.