Staff report

Portions of Jefferson County have received up to 8 inches of rain overnight, far more than previously expected by forecasters.

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles said forecasters there had expected 2-4 inches this morning in southeastern Texas, nothing like the torrents of rain that have created the conditions for flash flood warnings in central Jefferson County.

Forecaster Mike Marcotte said the flash flood warning would remain in effect until 9 a.m. He said he was still reviewing projected conditions for the rest of the day.

“The rain is slowing, at least temporarily,” he said.

He said it was not unusual for pockets of areas to receive more rain than expected.

“It happens,” he said.

This morning’s flash flood warning extended from central Jefferson County, south of Beaumont, across portions of Cameron Parish and into the Lake Charles area.

The NWS said there were reports of stalled vehicles in Port Arthur and Orange.

Flash flood watches were in effect for the remainder of Jefferson and Orange counties east across Acadiana, especially in areas south of Interstate 10.