06/18/2026
⚠️ TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR UPDATE ⚠️
Tropical Storm Arthur has formed and is expected to make landfall tonight near the Louisiana-Texas border.
While the center of the storm is forecast to remain west of our area, this is a lopsided system, and the National Weather Service advises that the greatest impacts will occur well east of the center, including Slidell.
The biggest concern remains heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
The risk for significant, potentially life-threatening flash flooding will increase tonight and continue through Thursday morning as multiple rounds of heavy rain move across the area.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall through Friday
• Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with higher amounts possible
• Rainfall rates of 2 to 5 inches per hour in stronger storms
• Street flooding and flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas
• Rising water levels in rivers, bayous, streams, and Lake Pontchartrain
• Frequent lightning and wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph
ADDITIONAL THREATS
• Localized rainfall totals exceeding 10 inches where storms repeatedly move over the same area
• Significant flash flooding impacting homes, businesses, and roadways
• Temporary road closures
• A few tornadoes will be possible tonight through Thursday
• Isolated wind gusts approaching 60 mph
Even after the rain slows down, some streets may stay flooded for a period of time. That's because Slidell's drainage system depends on gravity flow drainage, meaning that the water drains into nearby bayous, rivers, and Lake Pontchartrain. When those waterways are already high and heavy rain keeps falling, it takes longer for floodwaters to drain.
"All of Slidell's pumps are currently operational and crews are closely monitoring conditions," said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. "However, with the amount of rain forecast, we anticipate street flooding in some areas that typically flood during rain events. Our pumps can remove about an inch of water during the first hour and a half-inch per hour after that. If rainfall exceeds that rate, it may take some time for streets to drain."
"Once it starts raining, if you don't need to be on the road, please stay home! Never drive through flooded streets. Not only can it stall your vehicle, but it can also push water into nearby homes and businesses."
RESIDENT PREPARATION TIPS
• Secure outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and other loose items that could become airborne in strong winds.
• Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and ditches near your property.
• Do not place green waste, trash, or other debris into drainage systems.
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
City of Slidell Self-Service Sandbag Site
🕙 Open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow
📍Corner of Bayou Lane and Pennsylvania Avenue near Heritage Park
Please bring a shovel
🚫 Limit 15 sandbags per person
St. Tammany Parish Self-Service Sandbag Site
📍 34783 Grantham College Drive, Slidell
A Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday morning. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly overnight. Please stay weather aware, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and never drive through flooded roadways.
