Louisiana braces for flooding rain that may exacerbate 'worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy'

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

August 17,2016; 6:32PM,EDT

 

 

Additional downpours could aggravate flooding in Louisiana into this weekend.
Heat and high humidity will also make for difficult conditions as recovery efforts continue for the flood-ravaged state.
The Red Cross called the event the "worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy."
James Hennessy, a Red Cross mental health volunteer from Tallahassee, Fla., takes a photo of Old Jefferson Highway which he was hoping to cross to reach Baton Rouge in Prairieville, La., Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)
Sandy struck New Jersey and southeastern New York state with tremendous flooding during the fall of 2012 and caused $75 billion in damage.
More than 60,000 people have registered for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards.
At least 11 people have died in the flooding, 40,000 homes have been damaged and 30,000 people have been rescued since Friday, Gov. Edwards stated.
David Key boats away from his flooded home after reviewing the damage in Prairieville, La., Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)
"The storm deposited 10 inches of rain or more on eight states with up to 23 inches in Mississippi and 31 inches in Louisiana," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell said.
Much of this rain fell during a two-day period and has a 0.1 percent chance of occurring, which translates to a 1,000-year rainfall event.
Gov. Edwards called the rain and subsequent flooding "historic" and "unprecedented."
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While the worst of the rain ended earlier this week, additional sporadic downpours will affect Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas over the next several days.
"There is the potential for another round of enhanced rainfall in southern Louisiana and Mississippi during Sunday into Tuesday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said.

The ongoing downpours will not only hinder rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts but could also lead to additional incidents of flooding.
The flat terrain and the naturally high water table in the region will allow flood waters to recede slowly. It could be several days until it is safe for some people to return to their communities and homes.
The Louisiana National Guard transports people out of flood hit areas around Walker , La., Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. Although some flood waters have receded roads continue to be dangerous to pass with private vehicles. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)
Rescuers have reported seeing snakes and other creatures amid the floodwaters, according to ABC News.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at least four rivers in Louisiana remained above flood stage, including the Vermillion, Amite, Mermentau and Calcasieu. The Des Cannes and Vermillion bayous were also in flood.
It may not be until the end of the month until all waterways fall below flood stage.
Since many people are without power, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures above 100 F during the midday, afternoon and evening hours will add to the discomfort and difficulty of rescue, recovery and cleanup operations.