Floodwaters sweep through southern Louisiana amid heavy rain; photos capture damage

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Floodwaters swept through roadways and neighborhoods Monday as heavy rain pounded southern Louisiana, prompting Gov. John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency in the area.

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According to The Associated Press, up to 15 inches of rain soaked south Lake Charles in 12 hours, while other parts of Calcasieu Parish received up to 10 inches of rain. In an interview with The Advocate, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said the number of flooded homes in the city “will absolutely be in the hundreds” – more than when Hurricanes Laura and Delta struck the region last year.

The National Weather Service also reported up to 12 inches of rain in portions of Ascension, Iberville and East Baton Rouge parishes, according to the AP. In addition, a possible tornado struck Church Point in Acadia Parish, while multiple tornado warnings were issued in Lafayette, the news agency reported.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the rainy weather, which is expected to remain in the area through Wednesday, caused any injuries.

Late Monday and early Tuesday, residents and journalists took to social media to share photos of the rising floodwaters. Here are some of their posts:

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– The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group