In addition to heavy rain associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, embedded thunderstorms could pose a risk for isolated, brief tornadoes tonight. Both a TORNADO WATCH and a FLOOD WATCH are in effect through Thursday morning. Widespread additional amounts of 3-6 inches of rain with “streaks” of 6-12 inches are likely. If those amounts occur in our cities rather than open marsh or swamp land, it will trigger significant poor drainage and river flooding.

12:27am: Rainfall rates near the Louisiana coast are hitting 3 to 3.5 inches per hour and moving north. Some areas to be affected are coming into focus, with the highest amounts becoming likely over parishes in between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. 

A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and/or damaging winds in and around the watch area. Be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a low-level, interior room of a sturdy building. Take pets (on a leash) with you, have on hard-soled shoes, monitor storm coverage on a wireless device and cover your head in the event of wind or tornado impact. For more on tornado safety, CLICK HERE.

A FLOOD WATCH remains in effect for the entire Capital Region through Friday morning. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more on flooding safety, CLICK HERE. 

Tonight and Tomorrow: The overnight will have very impactful weather. Heavy rain will move across southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Rain will be likely for most of the night. Rates will be incredibly high in some places, and could quickly lead to flash flooding. Driving will be dangerous overnight, and the morning commute will be messy in the hardest-hit areas. Prepare for much slower drive times and the possibility of flooded roadways. In addition to the heavy rain, leftover energy in the atmosphere from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur could also lead to an isolated, brief tornado.

Thursday, more and more breaks in rain can be expected through the day. To be clear, though, scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible and capable of heavy rain in a short time. Occasional breaks of sunshine will help highs into the upper 80s, and it will still feel very humid in the leftover tropical air mass. 

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Up Next: On Friday, the tropical system will finally pull away to the east. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop due to lingering tropical moisture. Expect a slow, gradual lowering of daily rain coverage with the pattern moving back toward daytime warming pop-up thunderstorms over the weekend. Humidity will stay in place and highs will return to the 90s.    

Get the latest 7-day forecast and real-time weather updates HERE.

Watch live news HERE.

The Tropics: As of 10:00 PM Wednesday, Arthur degenerated into a post-tropical low-pressure area 85 miles west-southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana. The system had maximum sustained winds of 35mph with a minimum central pressure of 1000mb and was moving northeast at 9 mph. All coastal watches and warnings have been discontinued, and further wind weakening is expected as the remnants move deeper inland over southeastern Texas and western Louisiana into Thursday.

River Flooding: With recent heavy rain and more storms on the way, several local river gauges are forecast to rise. To track conditions, find the latest river levels and forecasts below, updated twice every hour.

— The Storm Station Meteorologists

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