Louisiana is under the gun this morning for severe storms with gusty winds, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. The line of storms has a history of damaging winds and tornadoes. In fact, much of extreme southwestern Louisiana has been under a severe thunderstorm watch for most of the overnight hours.

radar.weather.gov
radar.weather.gov
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Based on what we can deduce from the current National Weather Service Radar Scan out of Lake Charles the storms are arriving ahead of schedule. Yesterday forecast models projected the worst of the weather would arrive in the Lake Charles area just before sunrise but as of 0200 some of the strongest storms were already moving through that city. The above image shows what conditions were like as of 0200 am.

Based on the timing of the motion of these storms via radar observations it now looks as if the stronger storms will be moving in western sections of Acadiana by 0300 am. Based on the current motion and speed of the storms the Lafayette area could start to hear rumbles of thunder as early as 0400 am.

Acerting Art via YouTube
Acerting Art via YouTube
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The good news, if there can be such a thing as good news with severe weather, based on the timing this should put the worst of the weather well east of Acadiana by the time the morning commute begins. That doesn't mean there won't still be rain in the area when it's time to head to work or school but the faster the storm system moves through the sooner conditions will start to improve.

Motorists heading out in the early morning hours should be mindful that these storms have been producing large rainfall totals over a short period of time. This could lead to some localized flash flooding and certainly ponding of water on many roadways. If you do have to drive this morning please be mindful of the potential for high water or the threat of hydroplaning on some of the roadways with higher speed limits.

Driving in rain
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
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Behind the storm system, a beautiful weekend awaits. Skies could begin to clear across the region by later this afternoon and the forecast for the weekend is look spectacular.  It would probably be a good weekend to clean some of that mud and pollen off your car.

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