Lafayette is expected to see thunderstorms this weekend, prompting a special weather statement from the National Weather Service warning of small hail, gusty winds and periods of heavy rainfall.
A Flash Flood Warning is also in effect until 2:15 p.m. due to heavy rain across the area. A doppler radar indicated between 1 and 3 inches of rain has already fallen, with an additional 1 to 4 inches possible in the Lafayette area. The Special Weather Statement said strong thunderstorms were expected to impact Lafayette, northeastern Acadia, northwestern St. Martin and southeastern St. Landry parishes.
Hazards include wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Lafayette, Opelousas, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Rayne, Carencro, St. Martinville, Church Point, Krotz Springs, Leonville, Arnaudville, Broussard, Sunset, Port Barre, Duson, Henderson, Grand Coteau, Cankton, Cecilia and Mire.
Interstate 10 between mile markers 90 and 118 and Interstate 49 between mile markers 1 and 23 were also within the affected area.
Rain chances remain high through the weekend. Friday’s forecast calls for a high near 77 with northeast winds around 5 mph and a 90% chance of precipitation. Additional rainfall amounts of a tenth to a quarter of an inch are expected, with higher totals possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains, mainly after 1 a.m. Lows will be near 70. Additional rainfall amounts of a tenth to a quarter of an inch are possible, higher in storms.
Saturday is expected to remain stormy with rain chances with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 80. Saturday night, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69, and south wind around 5 mph before becoming calm.
By Sunday, Mother’s Day, forecasters anticipate a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Conditions will be partly sunny with a high near 84 and a 70% chance of precipitation, with light southerly winds developing in the afternoon.