Alert archive / Louisiana / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 3, NWS Lake Charles, LA
NWS Lake Charles, LA issued this flash flood warning at Apr 30, 2026, 4:09 PM CDT for Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was in force for 111 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued.
The facts
- Issued
- Apr 30, 2026, 4:09 PM CDT (21:09 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 30, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 111 min
- Issued by
- NWS Lake Charles, LA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
County Lafayette Parish, LA
The radar
The Lake Charles radar (KLCH), 112 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:09 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Slidell Radar S, LA (KSIL), launched 12:00Z, 9.2 hours before the alert went out and 226 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 163 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -149 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1055 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 61 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 147 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 151 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 2.0
The text
As transmitted.
739
WGUS54 KLCH 302109
FFWLCH
LAC055-302300-
/O.NEW.KLCH.FF.W.0003.260430T2109Z-260430T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
409 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Lafayette Parish in south central Louisiana...
* Until 600 PM CDT.
* At 409 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Lafayette, Scott, Carencro, Broussard, Youngsville, Duson, Ridge
and Milton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life.
Keep children away from storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams.
Water levels can rise rapidly and sweep children away.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3028 9195 3026 9198 3023 9194 3021 9198
3018 9198 3019 9192 3015 9191 3003 9197
3007 9207 3013 9209 3012 9213 3015 9229
3017 9225 3021 9225 3024 9218 3027 9218
3033 9209 3036 9208 3038 9205 3036 9195
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
Katz1 follow-up statement
910
WGUS74 KLCH 302251
FFSLCH
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
551 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
LAC055-302301-
/O.EXP.KLCH.FF.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260430T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lafayette LA-
551 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR
LAFAYETTE PARISH...
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 3021 9198 3018 9198 3019 9192 3015 9191
3004 9197 3007 9207 3013 9209 3012 9213
3015 9228 3017 9225 3021 9225 3024 9218
3027 9218 3038 9205 3036 9203 3036 9195
3032 9197 3028 9195 3026 9198 3023 9194
$$
KatzWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Apr 30, 2:41 PM CDT, 1 hour 28 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- A Flood Watch has been issued for an area along and north of a Hardin county to Vernon to Rapides parish line from 4 AM Friday to 4 AM Saturday. Widespread rainfall totals from 2 to 4 inches and locally higher amounts from today to Saturday AM.
- Periods of showers and thunderstorms will persist from tonight through Saturday morning when a cold front moves down into the region.
- Cool conditions will begin moving into cenLA as early as Friday AM and daytime high temps could be as low as low to mid 60s for areas north of hwy 190.
- Much cooler and dry conditions will arrive on strong northeast winds Saturday.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 30, 2:41 PM CDT, 1 hour 28 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
241 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...New DISCUSSION, AVIATION, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER...
.KEY MESSAGES...
- A Flood Watch has been issued for an area along and north of a Hardin
county to Vernon to Rapides parish line from 4 AM Friday to 4
AM Saturday. Widespread rainfall totals from 2 to 4 inches and
locally higher amounts from today to Saturday AM.
- Periods of showers and thunderstorms will persist from tonight
through Saturday morning when a cold front moves down into the
region.
- Cool conditions will begin moving into cenLA as early as Friday
AM and daytime high temps could be as low as low to mid 60s for
areas north of hwy 190.
- Much cooler and dry conditions will arrive on strong northeast
winds Saturday.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
(This evening through next Wednesday)
Issued at 219 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
Two large areas of convection has developed, a corridor across
cenLA and another along I-10. The northern area is in response
to upper shortwave perturbation moving across and the southern is
along a confluence boundary. Both areas have a robust airmass with
deep moisture and CAPE to openly use within an uncapped
environment. Thus, anticipate a scenario playing out similar to
what was seen north of our region yesterday. Corridors of heavy
rainfall with embedded areas of strong storms capable of producing
strong, damaging downdrafts and large hail. An embedded tornado
threat will exist but is not likely.
Most convection will die off with sundown but active jet aloft and
approaching shortwave from the west could keep light showers in
the region overnight.
Decently amplified upper trough comes through again on Friday with widespread
showers and thunderstorms expected. Heavy rainfall will be the
greatest threat as sfc conditions will not be so conducive for
severe conditions reaching the surface. There will exist an
isolated severe threat, though, if downdrafts can reach the
surface. This will persist until a strong cold front moves down
into the region with much cooler and drier air set to arrive on
Saturday morning.
Widespread heavy rainfall between today and Saturday morning
should total 2 to 4 inches area wide with locally higher
amounts. Areas north and west of a Hardin to Beauregard and
Rapides parish line have already or will receive heavy rainfall
from recent days to today. Considering further rainfall
anticipated today and tomorrow, these areas are now under a flood
watch from 4 AM Friday to 4 AM Saturday.
This watch area may be expanded to include further regions based
on rainfall received today. Due to ongoing drought conditions and
low water catch basins, its unlikely that regions very far south
of the watch will need to be included. Continue to monitor the
forecast for further updates.
&&
.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 219 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
Two boundaries of showers and thunderstorms are developing, one
across central LA and one across the I-10 corridor. Both areas
will bring about periods of heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and
volatile winds. In stronger storms, damaging wind gusts and large
hail will be possible as well.
A sagging cold front boundary will continue the period of showery activity
from now until Saturday morning when a cold front airmass moves
through the region.
In the interim and away from convection, anticipate low CIGs and
gusty variable winds around quasi-stationary boundaries.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 219 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
A boundary sluggishly moving over the region should sink down
into coastal waters late tonight with strong offshore winds
developing thereafter. Showers and thunderstorms with downpours
are anticipated to develop and persist across coastal waters from
tonight through Saturday when a strong cold front moves into the
central Gulf.
Offshore winds will strengthen from west to east mid day thru
afternoon Friday. Strong winds will then persist into at least
Saturday morning. Winds and seas will diminish into Sunday morning
with onshore winds to resume at the start of the week.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 219 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
Two large areas of convection has developed, a corridor across
cenLA and another along I-10. The northern area is in response to
upper shortwave perturbation moving across and the southern is
along a confluence boundary. Both areas have a robust airmass with
deep moisture and CAPE to openly use within an uncapped
environment. Thus, anticipate a scenario playing out similar to
what was seen north of our region yesterday. Corridors of heavy
rainfall with embedded areas of strong storms capable of producing
strong, damaging downdrafts and large hail. An embedded tornado
threat will exist but is not likely.
Most convection will die off with sundown but active jet aloft
and approaching shortwave from the west could keep light showers
in the region overnight.
Decently amplified upper trough comes through again on Friday with
widespread showers and thunderstorms expected. Heavy rainfall will
be the greatest threat as sfc conditions will not be so conducive
for severe conditions reaching the surface. There will exist an
isolated severe threat, though, if downdrafts can reach the
surface. This will persist until a strong cold front moves down
into the region with much cooler and drier air set to arrive on
Saturday morning.
Widespread heavy rainfall between today and Saturday morning
should total 2 to 4 inches area wide with locally higher
amounts. Areas north and west of a Hardin to Beauregard and
Rapides parish line have already or will receive heavy rainfall
from recent days to today. Considering further rainfall
anticipated today and tomorrow, these areas are now under a flood
watch from 4 AM Friday to 4 AM Saturday.
This watch area may be expanded to include further regions based
on rainfall received today. Due to ongoing drought conditions and
low water catch basins, its unlikely that regions very far south
of the watch will need to be included. Continue to monitor the
forecast for further updates.
&&
.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...Flood Watch from late tonight through late Friday night for
LAZ027-028-030.
TX...Flood Watch from late tonight through late Friday night for
TXZ180-201-259>262.
GM...Small Craft Advisory from 10 AM Friday to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
GMZ450-452-470-472.
Small Craft Advisory from 4 PM Friday to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
GMZ455-475.
&&
PUBLIC/FIRE/MARINE...11
AVIATION...11In the hours before
Special weather statement, Apr 30, 12:15 PM CDT, 3 hours 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
1215 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
LAZ027-301745-
Vernon LA-
1215 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL VERNON PARISH THROUGH
1245 PM CDT...
At 1215 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Leesville, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Leesville, Anacoco, Fort Polk, Slagle, New Llano, Hutton, and
Simpson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3133 9293 3101 9291 3108 9354 3124 9349
3134 9298
TIME...MOT...LOC 1715Z 269DEG 37KT 3115 9340
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CalhounSpecial weather statement, Apr 30, 1:28 PM CDT, 2 hours 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
128 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
TXZ180-259-301915-
Northern Jasper TX-Tyler TX-
128 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT TYLER AND NORTHERN JASPER
COUNTIES THROUGH 215 PM CDT...
At 128 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Woodville, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Jasper, Woodville, Colmesneil, Chester, Ebenezer, Fred, Rockland,
Warren, Town Bluff, Magnolia Springs, Mt. Union, Spurger, Ivanhoe,
Sam Rayburn Dam, and Hillister.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3106 9456 3105 9449 3103 9448 3103 9447
3104 9444 3111 9406 3112 9404 3113 9404
3114 9400 3054 9399 3053 9455 3101 9466
TIME...MOT...LOC 1828Z 267DEG 38KT 3083 9450
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
69Special weather statement, Apr 30, 1:58 PM CDT, 2 hours 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
158 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
LAZ033-142-143-242-243-301945-
Southern Acadia LA-Northern Acadia LA-St. Landry LA-
Southern Jefferson Davis LA-Northern Jefferson Davis LA-
158 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL JEFFERSON DAVIS...
ACADIA AND SOUTHWESTERN ST. LANDRY PARISHES THROUGH 245 PM CDT...
At 158 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Evangeline, or near Mermentau, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Crowley, Eunice, Jennings, Church Point, Welsh, Iota, Mermentau,
Evangeline, Cankton, Mowata, Maxie, Mire, Savoy, Egan, Branch,
Richard, Estherwood, Roanoke, and Midland.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3023 9280 3054 9232 3036 9208 3035 9209
3011 9256
TIME...MOT...LOC 1858Z 239DEG 19KT 3024 9256
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
69Special weather statement, Apr 30, 2:22 PM CDT, 1 hour 47 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
222 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
LAZ033-044-045-143-152-243-302000-
Upper Vermilion LA-Southern Acadia LA-Lafayette LA-
Northern Acadia LA-St. Landry LA-Upper St. Martin LA-
222 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT LAFAYETTE...CENTRAL ACADIA...
NORTHEASTERN VERMILION...NORTHWESTERN ST. MARTIN AND SOUTH CENTRAL
ST. LANDRY PARISHES THROUGH 300 PM CDT...
At 222 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Scott, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lafayette, Crowley, Catahoula, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Rayne, Carencro,
St. Martinville, Church Point, Broussard, Youngsville, Sunset, Duson,
Henderson, Maurice, Grand Coteau, Morse, Cankton, Butte La Rose, and
Mire.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3006 9190 3007 9191 3007 9195 3006 9196
3010 9256 3045 9218 3028 9159 3026 9159
TIME...MOT...LOC 1922Z 239DEG 19KT 3026 9210
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
69Special weather statement, Apr 30, 3:00 PM CDT, 1 hour 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
300 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
LAZ044-045-152-153-302045-
Upper Vermilion LA-Upper Iberia LA-Lafayette LA-Upper St. Martin LA-
300 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LAFAYETTE...
NORTHWESTERN IBERIA...NORTHEASTERN VERMILION AND WEST CENTRAL ST.
MARTIN PARISHES THROUGH 345 PM CDT...
At 300 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Youngsville, or near Lafayette, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lafayette, New Iberia, Catahoula, Scott, St. Martinville, Broussard,
Youngsville, Maurice, Loreauville, Cade, Butte La Rose, Acadiana
Regional Airport, Coteau, Parks, and Milton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3000 9213 3018 9216 3032 9169 3003 9164
TIME...MOT...LOC 2000Z 261DEG 21KT 3012 9198
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
69The office that day
Everything else NWS Lake Charles, LA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29, 7:04 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Rapides | 26 min |
| Apr 29, 7:07 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LCH | Allen, Beauregard | 23 min |
| Apr 29, 10:37 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LCH | Beauregard | 23 min |
| Apr 29, 10:58 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LCH | Beauregard | 32 min |
| Apr 29, 11:02 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Vernon | 28 min |
| Apr 29, 11:26 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Vernon | 34 min |
| Apr 30, 9:01 AM CDT | River Flood Watch | LCH | Calcasieu | 11 hr |
| Apr 30, 12:15 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Vernon | 30 min |
| Apr 30, 12:41 PM CDT | Flood Watch | LCH | Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Evangeline, Iberia and 6 more | 32 hr |
| Apr 30, 12:48 PM CDT | Small Craft Advisory | LCH | 54 hr | |
| Apr 30, 1:58 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Acadia | 47 min |
| Apr 30, 2:22 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Lafayette | 38 min |
| Apr 30, 3:00 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LCH | Lafayette | 45 min |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Louisiana, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.