Much of Louisiana is literally off the charts – more than 20 inches, and most of that has fallen over the weekend With shorter-term charts, it’s impossible to tell where the heaviest rain has fallen, because the color scales assume that much rain can’t accumulate in that period. They have also been going out in boats – locally referred to as the “Cajun Navy” – to rescue people, supplementing the efforts of National Guardsmen, state officials and Coast Guardsmen in high-water vehicles, boats and helicopters. John Bel Edwards said Sunday that at least 7,000 people have been rescued so far.
Advertisement
The National Weather Service says heavy rain can be expected through Monday and into Tuesday, as the quad-state region is already trying to recover from several inches of rain over the weekend.
After a night in the shelter, Marc Matherne planned to head back to see if he could help stranded neighbors.
Forecasters said one reason was the sheer, nearly off-the-charts intensity of the storm and the difficulty of predicting how bad it would be.
Thompson said the National Weather Service is keeping an eye on the Huron River, which floods and causes headaches for residents in Hamburg Township.
“The rivers and streams north of Interstate 12 have crested and have started to drop, while those south of the interstate continue to rise”, Meteoroloest Mike Efferson said. Flood stage is 20 feet.
And, because it’s touching and appropriate: “Dear Baton Rouge”, a warm embrace from the Times-Picayune recalling the capital city’s assistance to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They found temporary refuge at Hebron Baptist Church but became trapped by floodwaters Saturday night.
Advertisement
The evacuees included the governor and his family, who were forced to leave the Governor’s Mansion when chest-high water filled the basement and electricity was shut off.
