Almost three-fourths of the western U.S. is gripped by drought so severe that it’s off the charts of anything recorded in the 20-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
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2020 was a record setting year for tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty storms were named, thirteen of which became hurricanes, and three of those were severe enough to be retired (Laura, Eta and Theta).
Southwest Louisiana crops have been impacted by the recreant heavy rainfall and flooding.
Many crop fields in Calcasieu were submerged in the flood. Though all plants need water to grow, experts said crops in this region do better when it’s hot and dry.
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Hurricane season is right around the corner and the 2021 hurricane season is expected to be an active one. Now is the time to prepare.
“I’m urging everyone to have a plan in place for you, your family, your property and your pets/livestock in the event you are in the path of a storm,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M.
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The rain has been pouring for nearly a week, causing flooding in parts of the state. One day brought 13 inches as the weather systems stalled over some cities. Many areas have been under water for days.
One thing this weather has definitely shown us is where the problem spots are in our yards. Take this opportunity to identify these areas and address them for the future.
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Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Rapides Parish as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses caused by the winter storm and ice that occurred from Feb. 15-21, 2021, may be eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
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Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an official letter to President Biden today, again urging him to issue a supplemental disaster request following yesterday’s torrential rainfall event and flooding.
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Gov. John Bel Edwards has issued a state of emergency due to flooding and tornado warnings in Southwest Louisiana — and he's urging residents throughout the state to be prepared, because rain is expected to continue falling over the next several days.
"Water rescues and other emergency actions have been necessary this afternoon as heavy rainfall fell across Southwest Louisiana," Edwards said in a statement. "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."
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Roads were flooded, water-logged cars abandoned in the street and high water vehicles dispatched to help people as heavy rain fell across southern Louisiana Monday. In some areas of western Louisiana still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes last year more than a foot of rain fell.
The National Weather Service said in a Facebook post Monday that south Lake Charles in western Louisiana saw 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) of rain in a 12-hour period. But the rainfall wasn't limited to that one area. Numerous areas in Calcasieu Parish where Lake Charles is located saw totals of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) of rainfall Monday.
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