Flash Flood Watch in Effect for Arklatex

A flash flood watch is in effect through noon Thursday.

This watch includes Shreveport Bossier and much of the Arklatex. In Louisiana, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, DeSoto, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, Sabine, Union, Webster and Winn Parishes are included. In Arkansas, Columbia and Union Counties are part of this flash flood watch. In Texas, Angelina, Nacodoches, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby Counties are included.

Thunderstorms continue to spread across much of the Arklatex and this flash flood watch is in effect until noon Thursday. Rainfall totals have ranged from 2 to 4 inches in some parts of the Arklatex.

The National Weather Service says the heavy rainfall may lead to flooding especially in low lying and poor drainage areas. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that can lead to flash flooding.

Accuweather.com reports a few locations may reach or surpass their normal monthly rainfall for March in the span of a few days, with the hardest-hit areas picking up 4-8 inches of total rainfall.

“Areas that have recurrent [downpours] will be at risk for flash flooding, small stream flooding and potential new river flooding through Thursday,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

Those who live near small creeks or streams or in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be wary of rising water levels and be ready to evacuate if necessary.