Louisiana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 07/20/2026 16:02

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued July 20 at 6:02PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 20, 2026 - 4:02pm
Expires: 
July 20, 2026 - 4:30pm
Description: 
At 601 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Washington, or 8 miles southwest of Palmetto, moving south at 15 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Opelousas, Leonville, Palmetto, Sunset, Port Barre, Washington, Grand Coteau, and Lebeau. This includes Interstate 49 between mile markers 12 and 30.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
Area Description: 
St. Landry
Forcast Office: 
NWS Lake Charles LA