Flood in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Allison resulted in major flooding along the Amite and Comite Rivers and associated tributaries.

Outer rainbands on the eastern periphery of the circulation of Tropical Storm Allison which moved slowly across southeast Texas affected southeast Louisiana beginning late on June 5th, producing heavy rainfall over much of southeast Louisiana. The areas from Baton Rouge extending south to Thidadaux were particularly hard hit on June 6th and June 7th. By early June 8th, many location had received 10 to 18 inches of rain. Periods of torrential rain overwhelmed local drainage and created severe ponding of water which flooded numerous roadways and low lying areas, with many houses and some businesses flooded. Northern Lafourche Parish was particularly hard hit by flash flooding and severe ponding of water, with hundreds of houses flooded. Another round of heavy rainfall developed on June 10 and June 11 as the remnant circulation of Tropical Storm Allison moved over southeast Louisiana and intensified. The flash flooding on those dates is described in separate episode listed below. Wind and tornado damage caused by Tropical Storm Allison is also included in a separate episode below. By the end of the event on June 11th, storm total rainfall of 15 to 25 inches was common with some location reporting up nearly 30 inches near Thibodaux. Moderate to major river flooding occurred on the lower portions of the Amite and Comite Rivers with the highest waters levels observed since 1983. Approximately 1800 people were reported to have left their homes in East Baton Rouge Parish due to flooding or the threat of flooding. Hundreds of homes were flooded in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension Parishes. Significant flooding also occurred along Bayou Manchac affecting Ascension and Iberville Parishes. A levee broke along Bayou Manchac early on June 11th, flooding considerable low land acreage and roadways cutting off access to many houses.