Yesterday was a historic day in Southwest Louisiana, especially in Lake Charles. Reports say certain parts of the area got upwards of 15 inches of rain yesterday, causing massive flooding. Combine that with tornado warnings seemingly every 15 minutes, and we are talking one exhausting day.

Cars were left abandoned all over the city at intersections as they were getting flooded out, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office even deployed their high-water vehicle to rescue stranded motorists and people from their flooded homes.

All the rain and flooding prompted officials from all over the parish to make a decision on what to do next. Press releases were sent out by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, the City of Lake Charles, and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. Here is what we know.

  • All Calcasieu Parish, Jeff Davis, and Lake Charles Charter schools are closed today, along with Hamilton Christian Academy School.
  • All of the City of Lake Charles offices will be closed today. Garbage and trash pickup will be suspended today, as well. Also, all transit services will be shut down today, like city bus routes.
  • All Calcasieu Parish Police Jury offices and services will be closed today. Waste Management trash pickup will run as normal.
  • Residential Solid Waste Convenience Centers in Lake Charles and Sulphur will be closed and will reopen on Thursday, May 20.
  • The Calcasieu Public Transit System will not be in service.

The experts are forecasting another three to five inches of rain today through Friday, but it could be more in localized areas. Be careful and keep your eyes on our website for the latest info.

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

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