(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.
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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.
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.
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.
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…