Rare ‘high risk’ flash flood warning issued in Texas and Louisiana

A rare “high risk” warning for flash flooding has been issued in Texas and Louisiana as the states prepare for up to 9 inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

“The high-risk area has received more than 600% of its normal precipitation in just the past two weeks,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned, and flash flooding could be life-threatening.

“High risk” days make up only 4% of days, but they are responsible for more than a third of flood deaths, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Precipitation rates could exceed 3 inches per hour in some areas.

In addition to rain, damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are also expected to hit Texas on Thursday. Target cities range from Midland to San Antonio, Austin, Waco and Houston.

Some of this severe weather will spread into Louisiana Thursday evening, with damaging winds possible in Lake Charles and Alexandria.

On Friday, severe weather will continue to move east, affecting a region from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.

Up to 6 inches of rain is possible in Mississippi and Alabama.

Damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes will threaten New Orleans; Jackson, Mississippi; Mobile, Ala.; and Pensacola, Florida.