The Associated Press
CARENCRO, La. — Authorities have declared a state of emergency in an area of southern Louisiana after floodwaters from heavy overnight thunderstorms inundated dozens of homes.
No deaths or injuries were immediately reported. The sheriff’s office in Lafayette Parish, where heavy rains occurred, has urged people to leave dozens of homes in and around the community of Carencro.
Thunderstorms dumped up to 15 inches of rain in that area, leaving water waist-deep on some streets. Officials say 16 middle school students were safely removed from a bus stranded in the water and a daycare center had to be evacuated.
The state Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has mobilized.
Louisiana State Police also temporarily closed a stretch of Interstate 49 in the region between Lafayette and Opelousas after the rains.