Edouard Strengthens Ahead of Landfall: What Lake Charles & SWLA Should Expect
Lake Charles, Louisiana - Tropical Storm Edouard is getting stronger as it moves toward the Lake Charles & Southwest Louisiana area. We are giving you the latest update and taking a look at what residents in SWLA can expect...
REMINDER: When severe weather threatens Southwest Louisiana, it’s best to trust local meteorologists. Jacob Durham, Wade Hampton, and Max Logano at KPLC, along with the National Weather Service, use reliable data and experience to give accurate, level-headed forecasts for our area. Unlike fear-mongering “meteorologists” on Facebook, local experts focus on facts, not clicks.
As we've talked about in the past, the National Hurricane Center and Colorado State University are calling for a below-average 2026 hurricane season. Experts say a strong El Niño pattern is one of the main reasons fewer storms are expected. That typically creates conditions that make it harder for hurricanes to form and strengthen in the Atlantic.
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The National Weather Service says tropical storm conditions are beginning along parts of the Southwest Louisiana and Upper Texas coasts. Edouard is expected to make landfall this afternoon, and some areas could see strong wind gusts that reach hurricane strength.
For Southwest Louisiana, heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding will be the biggest concerns.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish and lower Vermilion Parish. A Hurricane Watch is also in place along the coast from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana.
Strong Winds Possible Along the Coast
The strongest winds are expected closer to the center of the storm and along the coast.
The National Weather Service says hurricane conditions, especially strong wind gusts, are still possible from High Island to Cameron later today. Even areas farther inland could see gusty winds as the storm moves through.
For the Lake Charles area, winds are expected to stay below tropical storm force, but gusts could still reach around 35 mph. Stronger gusts could knock down tree limbs, damage weak structures, and blow around loose outdoor items.
People should bring in or secure anything outside that could be blown away.
Heavy Rain Could Cause Flooding
Rain will also be a major part of Edouard's impact. The latest NWS update says heavy rain will affect parts of the Upper Texas coast and Southwest Louisiana today and Wednesday as Edouard moves inland. Flash flooding is possible, especially in cities and areas with poor drainage. River flooding is also possible.
Some areas could see several inches of rain, especially closer to the Texas coast. The Lake Charles area could also see periods of heavy rain as bands of thunderstorms move through. That could lead to water covering roads, parking lots, and other low-lying areas.
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Impacts Around Lake Charles, Louisiana
For Lake Charles and most of Calcasieu Parish, the storm is expected to bring rain, gusty winds and the chance for flooding, but the worst conditions should remain closer to the coast.
The National Weather Service says the Lake Charles area could see around 1 inch of additional rain, with higher amounts possible in stronger thunderstorms. Some roads could become difficult to travel if heavy rain falls in a short amount of time.
Edouard is expected to move inland after making landfall, but showers and thunderstorms could continue into Wednesday as tropical moisture moves across the region.
Residents across Southwest Louisiana should continue watching the forecast, especially those near the coast or in areas that normally flood.
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Names: Complete List From NOAA
Gallery Credit: Michaela Johnson