Louisiana prepares for flash floods

02/09/11

Emma Sword

Louisiana has declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall heads for the US Gulf Coast.

Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Governor said there were fears that the state could be hit with flash flooding, with up to 20 inches predicted to fall over the weekend.

Heavy rainfall is expected over southern areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama until Sunday, the National Hurricane Centre said.

Tropical storm warnings have been put in place from Texas to Mississippi, including New Orleans.

It comes after Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in Mississippi and New Orleans in 2005.

The latest depression could be named Tropical Storm Lee if it turns into a hurricane.

Hurricane season is currently in full swing in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Katia was downgraded from a hurricane on Thursday. However it is predicted to gather strength again.