What is the location of the flooding?

As of May 7, 2025, flooding is affecting large parts of the Southern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast (1)(2). The most severe impacts are being felt in eastern Texas and southeastern Louisiana, including the Greater New Orleans region.

Flood watches and flash flood watches have been issued across the region due to a prolonged and intense weather system producing excessive rainfall over already saturated ground. Particularly impacted communities lie along the Brazos River near Brenham, Texas, and low-lying parishes around New Orleans.

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Flooding has directly impacted several communities, including:

• Brenham, Texas
• College Station, Texas
• Grand Isle, Louisiana
• Lafayette, Louisiana
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
• New Iberia, Louisiana
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Wichita Falls, Texas

Flash flood warnings have been issued in Louisiana parishes including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Plaquemines, St. John, Lafourche, and Terrebonne. The flood threat also extends into parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle (3).

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Containment remains ongoing and challenging. Floodwaters have not been fully controlled, especially in Louisiana and eastern Texas. The National Weather Service and local emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely.

According to the National Weather Service, flash flood warnings and watches remain in effect, and additional rainfall of up to 10 inches is expected in some areas through Thursday, which may worsen conditions (4).

Search and recovery operations have taken place in Brenham, and localized drainage and pumping operations are active in New Orleans.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

There are no formal mass evacuation orders that have been issued, though flash flood warnings and flood watches are active across wide areas, including southeast Texas, southeastern Louisiana, and southwestern Alabama. Residents are strongly advised to avoid travel on flooded roads and heed local emergency advisories. 

In Louisiana, a Level 3 (Moderate) flash flood risk is in place for the New Orleans Metro and surrounding parishes. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.