Year-over-year Mississippi River levels at St. Louis and Memphis are currently measuring above last year. But, without significant rain in the forecast and concerns for the volume of water coming from the Ohio River valley into the lower Mississippi, this could elevate levels of concern, particularly in the next few weeks.
Read MoreAfter Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Louisiana and brought billions of dollars of damage to the state, lawmakers worked with researchers, engineers and others to create and implement new codes and laws in an attempt to prevent such serious damage happening again.
Read MoreThis week in WBRZ history, six different hurricanes made landfall, putting Morgan City's Shrimp and Petroleum Festival at risk each year.
One particularly devastating storm that struck Morgan City — Hurricane Andrew — made landfall on Aug. 26, 1992. This was one week before the 57th festival.
Read MoreAs the clock ticks down the final days of July, thermometers will climb across much of the eastern half of the United States, creating a dangerous and long-lasting heat wave that will put millions at risk of heat stroke and other illnesses.
Read MoreHurricane season begins June 1, but the National Weather Service face serious staffing challenges. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, nearly 1000 employees have left, leaving key offices in cities like Lake Charles, Houston, and Tampa understaffed. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that this could delay critical weather alerts or spread inaccurate information.
Read MoreThe month of April is known for rainfall, but 2025 has been a record-breaking year. Between April 2 and April 5 at least three months of rainfall dumped across the Delta, as reported by the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Ark. and Memphis, Tenn.
Read MoreSugarcane harvesting season is underway across Louisiana, but farmers say unpredictable weather patterns are shaking up their plans. More than a month ago, Hurricane Francine swept across the southern part of the state; the wind and rain damaged crops.
Read MoreThe Mississippi River is suffering from low waters for the third straight autumn, a crucial time of year when American farmers rely on the route to deliver their crops to the world.
Months of limited rainfall — with few chances for more during the rest of the season — have left the vital waterway so shallow that barges are starting to run aground, even after shippers started running lighter loads to prevent boats from hitting the river bottom.
Read MoreIn the aftermath of the storm, the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center is reminding homeowners to prioritize safety and be vigilant when assessing damage and beginning cleanup. With the potential for structural damage and downed powerlines, it’s critical that residents take precautions to avoid further harm.
Read MoreBarges plying the shrinking lower Mississippi River have to reduce their draft, meaning operators will have to cut the amount of cargo their boats carry to meet the latest restrictions.
“The gauge at Memphis dropped to the low water threshold of minus 5 feet on Aug. 30,” said Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The last two years, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a 9-foot draft requirement when river levels fall below the low water threshold.
Read MoreThe Louisiana climate is heavily influenced by the Gulf of Mexico and the subtropical climate that we share with the four other Gulf Coast states. Of those Gulf Coast states, we are on average the wettest. That rain is a big component of why we call Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise, and the abundance of water that creates a green environment is a monster contributor to Louisiana agriculture.
Read MoreLouisiana experienced unprecedented hot weather last summer, which carried into the fall and winter months, this being known as drought.
Read MoreCotton Incorporated and Nutrien Ag Solutions have teamed up to provide weekly weather update videos via the Cotton Cultivated website to make sure cotton producers have access to information they can count on. This weekly forecast is tailored specifically for cotton producers.
Read MoreAs U.S. producers continue to make production decisions regarding the 2024 season, the weather forecast is an important consideration. Will El Nino break the Southwest drought? What about rainfall in the Southeast? Will the Mississippi River see relief? What is the moisture outlook in the Western U.S. in states such as California?
Read MoreAs the US gears up for a winter heavily influenced by the first strong El Niño in years, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have released maps that offer insight into where snow could pile up.
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