Lafayette Flooded: Traffic Lights Out Amid Downpour

As of Thursday afternoon, Lafayette is experiencing severe weather, with heavy rains causing traffic lights to go out along Johnston Street, leading to considerable congestion. The Lafayette Police Department reported the outage around 3 p.m. and has not yet provided an update on restoration.

Authorities are strongly advising motorists to exercise caution due to worsening weather conditions, emphasizing that roads are slick. Drivers are encouraged to maintain or slightly reduce their speed and be prepared for stops, urging patience.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Lafayette Parish, which is set to remain in effect until 6 p.m. today. Thunderstorms have already brought between 2 and 3 inches of rain to the area, with more expected. Flash flooding is a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas, streets, underpasses, and poorly drained locations.

The warning encompasses several cities, including Lafayette, Scott, Carencro, Broussard, and Youngsville. Officials are reiterating the critical message to avoid flooded roads, as most weather-related fatalities occur in vehicles. The phrase "Turn around, don't drown" is being emphasized.

Showers and thunderstorms are predicted to persist into Thursday night, with patchy fog possible later in the evening. Conditions are expected to worsen on Friday, with widespread showers and potential thunderstorms anticipated throughout the day. High temperatures may reach near 70 degrees, accompanied by gusty northeast winds and steady rain.

Forecasters anticipate that these storms could deliver prolonged heavy rainfall, with most areas receiving 2 to 4 inches and some experiencing up to 4 to 8 inches. This significant accumulation increases the risk of flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas. The chance of flooding on Friday is estimated between 15% and 39%. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Saturday afternoon.