Understanding Excessive Rainfall: Insights For Louisiana Communities

(KMDL-FM) What is "excessive rainfall"? I guess the answer to that question depends on who you are asking. The National Weather Service and the Weather Prediction Center have an official definition for it. But let's face it, for someone who has just had their weekend plans washed out because of a passing storm, that could be considered excessive rainfall too.

Here is the unofficial explanation of what "excessive rainfall" means as discussed by the Weather Service. Excessive rainfall occurs when an area receives more rainfall than it can drain in a given period. Residents of Lafayette can liken this scenario to what happens to Ambassador Caffery Parkway when there is a heavy downpour.

Staff Photo

The roadway fills with water, but only for a short time. That water then drains away after the rain has stopped. Many roadways are designed that way. Wouldn't you rather have all the water flowing down the streets instead of into businesses and homes? That's why they build them like that.

Heavy Rain is Forecast for Louisiana This Weekend

A large portion of Louisiana will be at risk for an excessive rainfall event this weekend. And as bad as that may sound, it's actually the best-case scenario compared to what our neighbors in Arkansas and Texas might see from Mother Nature. Those states will have an enhanced threat of severe weather over the weekend.

Staff Photo

In Louisiana, there will be a threat of severe storms in the extreme northwestern and northern parishes, but for the most part, our issue will be rainfall, and not every part of the state will get the deluges. Below is a graphic from the Weather Prediction Center. You can see that the northern third of the state is the area of greatest concern.

wpc.ncep.noaa.gov

It does appear as though Louisiana's greatest threat for heavy downpours and perhaps severe storms will come later in the day on Saturday and remain in the area through Sunday.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles has prepared this graphic to give you a better understanding of the most likely time that rainfall will happen in your part of the state. As you can see in the graphic below, Weather Service forecasters are suggesting Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon as the best time for wet weather in cities such as Lafayette or Lake Charles.

weather.gov/lch

Actually, any moisture, except for a torrential downpour, would be welcome across most of Louisiana. Much of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Those dry conditions have resulted in burn bans being issued.

As far as how the weather might affect your weekend plans, you'll just need to check back with us and make sure you have our App. We have updated weather information there, and should there be severe storms or potential flooding, you'll be notified immediately if you turn your "Alerts" on.

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By the way, the extended outlook beyond the weekend includes a threat of showers in the early part of next week. But conditions are expected to improve and be "picture perfect" for Patty in the Parc in Downtown Lafayette on Saturday, March 14th.