How to prepare for a hurricane
It’s important to take these steps before the hurricane season.
The former tropical disturbances monitored by hurricane predictors did not form tropical depression before reaching the Louisiana coast, but as they marched inland on July 18, it threatened heavy rains and flash floods, predictors said.
The system, previously known as the Invest 93L, is already causing thunderstorms and scattered showers southwest of New Orleans, the Storm Prediction Center says.
The floods have seen most of Louisiana’s southern half from July 19th until nap, according to the National Weather Service. The risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding from the system is highest along the I-10/12 corridor and its south, the New Orleans Meteorological Bureau said. Flood concerns extend along the coastal plains from Houston, Texas to Pensacola, Florida, predictors said.
The downpour, which has a rainfall rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour, could lead to water ponds in low-lying, inadequate drainage areas, leading to flooding on some roads, the Meteorological Department said. Some structures can also be flooded in areas with the most heavy rainfall. The risk of rain continues through the weekend, but the threat of flash flooding over the weekend will depend on how much total rain falls between July 17th and 18th, the New Orleans Weather Service said.
“Even unorganized tropical storms can cause localized heavy rains that can lead to dangerous flash flood incidents,” Accuweather said.
According to the National Weather Service, flooded streets were reported at Destrehan, Luling, Luling, and New Sarpy in Laplace on July 17th. About an inch of water made it into some Ruling homes, a report from a spare local storm said. Videos posted on social media show that streets and yards are flooded in Ruling.
Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st and continues until the end of November. Aggressive hurricane weather usually peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
How much rain could it be?
According to Accuweather Meteorologists, moisture from the weather system will bring rainbands to the Texas-Arkansas border, affecting the valleys in central Mississippi, potential flash floods this weekend.
Parts of southeast Louisiana have already had about 4 to 8 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible until July 19th, Accuweather said.
According to Accuweather, there is recorded rainfall here for the past 48 hours.
- 7.91 inch rain in Pierrepart, Louisiana
- 6.21 inch rain in Little Woods, Louisiana
- 5.94 inches of rain in Louisiana’s Desire Area
- 4.70 inch rain in Laplace, Louisiana
- 4.67 inch rain in Homa, Louisiana
- 4.33 inches of rain at the University of Louisiana Lafayette University
- 3.99 inch rain in Prairieville, Louisiana
- 3.86 inch rain in Gonzalez, Louisiana
- 3.74 inch rain in Thibodeau, Louisiana
- 2.89 inch rain in Iota, Louisiana
Rip curentsThe threat along the Gulf Coast
The system brings heavy rain along the Gulf Coast, so dangerous rifts are also dangerous for swimmers heading to coastal state beaches.
The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, said on July 18 that the current risks of RIPs are high on some Alabama and Florida beaches but will improve over the weekend.
“The best idea… just leave the water,” the forecaster said.
RIP currents, a fast moving waterway that flows down from the coast, can drag swimmers into the ocean and tire them out as they try to tire them. At least 30 other people have died so far in 2025 in an incident related to the SURF zone, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Prepare now for a potential hurricane
Experts say it’s important to be prepared for potential future hurricanes before the threat is imminent. Potentially delaying preparations for salvation can mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get disaster supply while the shelves are still in stock and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so get that insurance inspection early,” NOAA recommends.
- Establish an evacuation plan: If you are at risk of a hurricane, you will need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to plan where you will go and how you will get there.
- Assemble disaster supply: Whether you’re evacuating or evacuating, you’ll need supplies not only to get through the storm, but also for the potentially long aftermath.
- Get an insurance inspection and document your property: Contact your insurance company or agent now to ask for an insurance inspection and make sure you have sufficient insurance to repair or replace your home or belongings. Remember that home insurance and tenant insurance don’t cover floods, so you’ll need a separate insurance for that. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or through your national flood insurance program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so take action now.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said he took the time to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine where family gatherings are to be located and include out-of-town locations in the event of evacuation.
- It strengthens your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Trim the wood; attach storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal the wall opening.
