Residents of Oberlin, Louisiana, should prepare for potential flooding in the coming days as the Calcasieu River continues to rise, threatening to overflow by Wednesday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood warning, with projections showing that the river will exceed flood stage by Saturday evening, possibly peaking at 17 feet by early Monday morning.
With recent heavy rainfall saturating the ground, the situation is becoming more serious, and emergency officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to be ready for potential evacuations.
What’s Causing the Flood Risk?
The primary driver of this flooding threat is the recent wave of storms that have dumped several inches of rain across southern Louisiana. This, combined with additional rainfall expected over the weekend, has led to rapid runoff into the Calcasieu River, forcing water levels to rise at an alarming rate.
Currently, the river near Kinder, LA stands at 14.5 feet, just 1.5 feet below flood stage. Forecasts indicate that by Saturday evening, it will surpass the 16-foot flood stage and continue rising until it crests at 17 feet early Monday morning.
Which Areas Are Most at Risk?
Low-lying areas near the Calcasieu River are at the highest risk of flooding, especially neighborhoods along the riverbanks. If the water rises above 16 feet, floodwaters could begin covering nearby wooded areas and could start encroaching onto roads and properties.
In past flooding events, similar river levels have led to road closures, property damage, and emergency evacuations. The biggest concerns are for homes, businesses, and roads located near the river or in low-lying areas that are already prone to flooding.
How This Could Impact Residents
If the river rises faster than expected, flooding could develop suddenly, leaving residents with little time to react. People living near the river should take precautions now to protect their property and ensure they are ready to evacuate if needed.
Road closures are also possible, making travel difficult. With additional storms forecasted for Saturday and Sunday, the flood risk could intensify quickly.
How to Stay Safe and Prepare
- Stay informed. Follow updates from the National Weather Service, local emergency services, and weather alerts.
- Have an emergency kit ready. Include food, water, medications, flashlights, important documents, and extra batteries.
- Never drive through flooded roads. Just six inches of water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep a car away.
- Move valuables and electronics to higher ground. Protect your home from possible flood damage.
- Be prepared to evacuate. If officials issue an evacuation order, do not wait—leave immediately for higher ground.
What’s Next?
The Calcasieu River will likely continue rising into early next week, and flooding could persist for several days even after the rain stops. Emergency officials are closely monitoring the situation, and residents should remain on high alert for additional flood warnings.
For now, anyone living near the river should take the threat seriously and prepare for potential high water levels, travel disruptions, and evacuations. If water levels continue to rise, flood conditions could quickly become life-threatening.
