Lafayette Parish is now under a State of Emergency as Monday's inclement weather is expected to continue into the overnight hours and Tuesday.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory made the declaration Monday night after numerous severe weather watches and warnings and heavy rainfall has pounded the parish. With the State of Emergency comes a curfew that has been put into effect immediately - until 6:00 AM Tuesday, if conditions improve.

Unfortunately, this severe weather is expected to continue over the next several days. That could cause prolonged flooding and hazardous conditions throughout the parish. Residents are asked not to drive vehicles through flooded roadways, not just for their safety but also for their neighbors in nearby homes.

Governor John Bel Edwards declared a State of Emergency for Louisiana earlier in Monday evening after Lake Charles was hit hard by inclement weather beginning early in the morning and throughout the day.

“Water rescues and other emergency actions have been necessary this afternoon as heavy rainfall fell across Southwest Louisiana,” said Edwards. “The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) stands ready to support our local partners with any emergency resources needed beyond their capabilities. We are only a few weeks away from the start of hurricane season, but this threat is the latest in a string of recent weather threats that remind us of the importance of preparedness and staying informed. And as the weather threat continues this week, I implore Louisianans to monitor their local weather forecasts and follow all instructions from local leaders. Go to GetAGamePlan.org to help finalize your emergency plans. Those plans should start with getting a COVID-19 vaccination for you and your family in case evacuations and shelter operations become necessary. Monitor your local media, the National Weather Service office for your region and download the free ALERT FM App to stay weather aware.”

Lake Charles, of course, is coming off of a devastating hurricane season that hit the entire Acadiana area really hard.

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