A flood of historic proportions could inundate parts of the Gulf Coast over the next 48 hours. The region has already received record amounts of rainfall, and flooding has killed at least one person and caused enormous amounts of damage across a wide area. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency and the Louisiana emergency management office has called it a "historic flood event."
In a 24-hour period over Friday and Saturday, Baton Rouge reported 11.34 inches of rain. The Comite River near Baton Rouge and Amite River near Denham Springs, both in Louisiana, were predicted to set record crests over the weekend.
The flood is taking place because a low pressure area has become stationary over the region. This system is drawing warm, moist air up from the Gulf of Mexico and releasing it inland as rain. This weather pattern could persist for some time, possibly into midweek. NOAA is predicting 6-8 inches more rain in Shreveport, and effects are expected to be felt throughout the region.
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