Flash Flood in Iberia Parish, Louisiana

Iberia Parish Emergency Manager reported major flash flooding across most of Iberia Parish, with the worst flooding in the cities of New Iberia and Jeanerette. Particularly hard hit was the west end of New Iberia, where numerous homes were flooded and nearly all roadways submerged. Several high water rescues were performed by emergency officials across New Iberia due to vehicles stalled in high water. In total, 38 homes and 6 businesses received flood damage in and near New Iberia, while 24 homes and 1 business were damaged by flood waters in and around Jeanerette. In addition, at least 9 vehicles and 6 outdoor buildings suffered flood damage.

A series of upper level disturbances interacting with a stalled frontal boundary in the northern Gulf of Mexico produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across south-central Louisiana from late on December 7, 2009 through the morning hours on December 8, 2009. Thunderstorms repeatedly developed just south of the Louisiana coast and moved northeastward across Iberia and St. Mary Parishes, leading to rainfall totals of 6 to 9 inches across much of Iberia Parish and the northern half of St. Mary Parish. Major flash flooding resulted, with a total of 61 homes and 5 businesses flooded across the cities of New Iberia and Jeanerette. Damage totals were estimated to reach $X dollars.