4-6 Inches of Rain Forecast for New Orleans; Flash Flood Warnings Issued for Low-lying Areas

Heavy rain is predicted to cause flash flooding in New Orleans and nearby areas Monday night and Tuesday early, potentially generating dangerous conditions on local roads. Residents are encouraged to prepare for localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and poor drainage zones.

According to the National Weather Service, the New Orleans metro area has a 90% probability of heavy rain Monday night, with totals of 4-6 inches.

The risk is greatest around Lake Pontchartrain, where ponding water could disrupt traffic on major highways like I-10 and nearby communities. Drivers should avoid flooded roads and use caution when driving during storms.

Monday’s daytime weather will be partly overcast, with highs in the mid-80s. Rain chances increase dramatically after dusk, as southeast winds gust to 12-16 mph. Thunderstorms are expected to continue into early Tuesday, complicating morning commutes with poor visibility and slick roads.

The threat of flash flooding has subsided by late Tuesday morning, but moderate coastal flooding remains likely during high tides. Elevated tides may damage Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, with warnings issued near Baton Rouge and the Mississippi border.

Conditions are expected to improve by midweek as drier air sweeps into the region. However, another system may bring rain back by Friday. Residents should keep an eye out for information from local officials and make sure their emergency kits are ready.