After being impacted by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020 – and just weeks ahead of the official start to the 2021 hurricane season – Lake Charles, Louisiana residents are now being impacted by heavy rainfall of 6 – 15 inches this week resulting in bayous and creeks flooding streets. The ongoing storm is impacting hundreds of homes still struggling to recover and rebuild. Much of the flooding is due to unimpacted storm drains following the 2020 hurricane season.
The majority of Lake Charles is currently at Moderate Risk to Extreme Risk for riverine flooding due to heavy rainfall. In addition to flooded homes, the streets are experiencing persistent rising water and flash foods, which is likely to result in an increase in automobile claims for the insurance industry.
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a State of Emergency as of May 17, 2021 and heavy convective storms and flash flood warnings are expected to persist until at least Thursday.
