Downpours Soaking Central Gulf Coast | WeatherBug
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Downpours Soaking Central Gulf Coast

May 20, 2021
UPDATED By WeatherBug Sr. Meteorologist, James West
Heavy rain will continue to bring flooding issues to parts of Texas, the central Gulf Coast, and lower Mississippi Valley today.

Waves of thunderstorms and downpours producing between 5 to 10 inches locally have been rolling across much of eastern and southern Texas and the Arklatex region the last several days. This has produced several rounds of localized flash flooding in low-lying areas. These same areas are still recovering from flood and wind damage brought by several hurricanes that have hit over the past several years.

This rain event has another day or so before it finally runs its course. High pressure situated over the Northeast will finally slide offshore today, shifting the axis of Gulf of Mexico moisture eastward toward eastern Texas, southern and western Louisiana, and the lower Mississippi Valley. Heavy downpours are currently streaming into eastern Texas and near hard-hit Lake Charles, La., adding insult to injury.

Additional rounds of thunderstorms and downpours are likely across eastern Texas and the Gulf Coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande northward to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Anywhere from 2 to as much as 6 inches of additional rainfall are possible through today.

The flash flooding risk remains high across a large area of real estate. Flash Flood Watches are posted from the Arklatex region and into the lower Mississippi Valley. This includes Little Rock, Ark, Shreveport, La., Lake Charles, La., New Orleans, Longview, Texas and Beaumont, Texas.

Do not drive across a flooded road or bridge. The water could be deeper than you think, and the road or bridge could be washed out. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”