Baton Rouge Braces for Historic Flood after Torrential DownpoursBaton Rouge Braces for Historic Flood after Torrential Downpours Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is bracing for a historic flood as torrential downpours have pummeled the city and surrounding areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Warning for East Baton Rouge Parish, cautioning that flooding is imminent or already occurring. Relentless rains began on Friday, August 12, and have continued unabated for days. The NWS estimates that as much as 20 inches of rain has fallen in some parts of the city. Rivers and bayous have overflowed their banks, inundating low-lying areas. The Amite River has reached a record height of 43.1 feet, surpassing its previous peak during the devastating 2016 flood. The Mississippi River is also rising rapidly and is expected to crest above flood stage later this week. Emergency officials are urging residents to evacuate flooded areas and seek shelter on higher ground. Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple neighborhoods, including Old South Baton Rouge, Beauregard Town, and Scotlandville. “This is an extremely dangerous situation,” said East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “We need residents to follow evacuation orders and be prepared to stay out of their homes for an extended period of time.” Power outages have affected thousands of residents in the affected area. Schools and businesses have been closed and flights at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport have been disrupted. The National Guard has been activated to assist with rescues and evacuations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also sent teams to the area to assess the damage and provide support. Experts warn that the floodwaters could remain high for several days, and residents should be prepared for the possibility of extended flooding. “This is a slow-moving disaster,” said NWS meteorologist Steve Taylor. “The water is rising gradually, but it will take time for it to recede.” The city of Baton Rouge has a history of flooding, with major events occurring in 1927, 1950, 1973, 1983, and 2016. The current flood is expected to be among the most significant in the city’s history. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest weather and flood information, and to follow the instructions of emergency officials. The situation is fluid and evolving, and the public is urged to stay informed and prepared.