Remnants of Arthur trigger widespread flash-flood emergencies and tornado watch across the Deep South
Post-tropical Arthur is producing heavy rain, flash-flood emergencies and a tornado watch from Louisiana to Georgia, prompting evacuations, road closures and rescue operations.
The post-tropical low that was once Hurricane Arthur has stalled over the Gulf Coast, generating intense rain bands that have produced flash-flood emergencies in several states. The National Weather Service declared a Flash Flood Emergency for Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, where up to 24 inches of rain have fallen, and for Stone County, Mississippi, where 6 to 10 inches have been recorded. Similar emergencies were issued for Pearl River County, Mississippi, and for parts of central Louisiana, prompting officials to urge residents to move to higher ground and avoid travel.
The Weather Prediction Center expanded a Level 4 high-risk flood outlook deeper into the Southeast, indicating that additional 5 to 8 inches of rain are likely in southern Mississippi and Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado watch covering metropolitan Atlanta, southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle, warning that any tornadoes that develop may be rain-wrapped and difficult to see.
Local authorities reported road closures, including the shutdown of Interstate 59 near Picayune, Mississippi, and Louisiana Highway 114 in Avoyelles Parish, after floodwaters submerged the roadways. Rescue crews have been deployed for high-water rescues in towns such as Mansura and Cottonport, Louisiana, and in Pearl River County, Mississippi.
The National Weather Service also confirmed three EF-1 tornadoes in southeast Louisiana, with estimated wind speeds near 95 mph. Power outages affected tens of thousands of customers in Texas and Louisiana.
Officials continue to advise residents to keep weather alerts active, charge mobile devices, and seek shelter in interior rooms on the lowest floor of sturdy buildings if a tornado warning is issued.