Severe storms possible if school lets loose in Acadiana

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KPEL News) — As forecasters warm up to possible severe storms Wednesday afternoon, the severe weather schedule could affect students and parents trying to get their children home after school.

According to the National Weather Service“A low-pressure system is strengthening over the southern plains that will continue to cause severe weather and flash flooding in the middle and lower Mississippi Valley through tonight.

At 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, the worst of the weather appeared to have passed the Vermilion Parish area and moved on toward Baton Rouge.

This storm system is moving northeast, meaning much of the rain will impact the entire Lafayette community as it moves, and some of the strongest weather events could be headed straight for New Iberia.

At 3:30 p.m., it could rain across much of the region, some heavily. Later in the afternoon, a second storm will move through the area along the same path.

But the bigger concern in some parts of this system is the wind. The National Weather Service stated in its latest warning: “The biggest threats from severe thunderstorms are tornadoes (some of which could be strong), damaging winds and possibly some hail. In addition to these threats, heavy rains could result in isolated flash flooding.”

KATC has also issued a warning that some of the winds in the system could be strong enough to create tornadoes – something New Iberia has been addressing earlier this school year.

In strong winds and flash floods, it is advisable to drive slowly and carefully, avoiding large bodies of standing water on the road.

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