Richland Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

06/17/2026

While Tropical Storm Arthur is weakening and moving inland, Louisiana is not out of the woods yet.

The greatest impacts continue to be focused across central and southern Louisiana, where flooding concerns remain elevated through the end of the week. Arthur is expected to weaken to a tropical depression and eventually a remnant low, but heavy tropical moisture will continue to fuel rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the state.

For Richland Parish, residents should remain alert for:

Periods of heavy rainfall that could cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Strong thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts.

A low, but not zero, risk of an isolated tornado.

Rapid rises in ditches, creeks, bayous, and other waterways if heavier rain develops over the same locations.

Although rainfall forecasts have decreased, saturated soils and already elevated water levels mean it won’t take much additional rain to create problems.

Please remember:
Never drive through flooded roadways.
Turn around, don’t drown.
Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight.
Monitor trusted weather sources for updates.

06/16/2026

Richland Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone One and its expected impacts across Louisiana through the remainder of the week.

Although the system is forecast to make landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, Richland Parish remains under a Flood Watch and could experience multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from Tuesday through Friday. Forecasters indicate that repeated rounds of storms may produce excessive rainfall capable of causing flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage.

In addition to the flooding threat, isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible throughout the week. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and brief tornadoes with little warning.

Richland Parish residents are encouraged to prepare now by:

• Monitoring local forecasts and weather alerts frequently.
• Having multiple ways to receive emergency warnings, especially overnight.
• Avoiding travel during periods of heavy rainfall if possible.
• Never driving through flooded roadways or around barricades.
• Checking drainage areas around homes and businesses to ensure water can flow freely.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions around the clock. However, residents should remain weather aware and be prepared to act if conditions worsen.

The greatest concern for Northeast Louisiana remains heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding through the end of the week.

Additional updates will be provided as conditions warrant.

06/16/2026

04/28/2026

RICHLAND PARISH 🚨

We are under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3) for severe weather this afternoon into tonight.

What to expect:
Strong to severe storms
Damaging winds up to 70 mph
Hail up to golf ball size
Tornadoes possible (a strong tornado cannot be ruled out)

Timing:
• Storms could begin as early as 3 PM
• Most significant threat: 6 PM – Midnight
• Some storms may continue into the early morning hours

Additional concerns:
Heavy rainfall (2–4 inches, locally higher)
Localized flash flooding possible

Wednesday: Another round of severe weather is possible, mainly in the afternoon/evening.

Please take a few minutes now to prepare:
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings
• Make sure phones are charged
• Know where you will go if a warning is issued

We will continue to monitor and provide updates as conditions change.

Stay weather aware, Richland Parish.

04/27/2026

The National Weather Service is monitoring multiple rounds of severe weather that could impact Richland Parish over the next few days.

TODAY (MONDAY)
Slight Risk (Level 2)
Timing: Mainly 3 PM – 1 AM
Hazards:
Damaging winds up to 70 mph
Hail possible
Tornadoes cannot be ruled out

TUESDAY INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY
Increased Risk (Enhanced – Level 3 possible north of I-20)
Timing: Tuesday afternoon through early

Wednesday morning
Hazards:
Damaging winds (potential for widespread wind event)
Large hail
Tornadoes possible
Heavy rainfall with localized flooding possible Tuesday night

WEDNESDAY
Marginal Risk (Level 1)
Additional storms possible Wednesday afternoon/evening

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Multiple rounds of storms are expected
Timing may change as storms develop
Have multiple ways to receive warnings
Stay weather aware, especially in the evenings and overnight

04/15/2026

NOTICE: GAS ODOR CALLS IN RICHLAND PARISH

We are aware of the increased reports of gas odors in Rayville and surrounding areas.

Atmos Energy has confirmed that the odor was caused by a surplus of mercaptan—the non-toxic odorant added to natural gas to help detect leaks. They have advised that the issue has been corrected and the system is operating safely at this time.

Residents may continue to smell gas for a period of time as the system clears.

Deputies with the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the Rayville Police Department and multiple local Fire Departments, have responded to numerous calls and will continue to monitor as needed.

IMPORTANT:
If you smell gas:
• Leave the area immediately
• Do NOT use electronics or light switches
• Call 911 from a safe location

You may also contact Atmos Energy’s 24-hour emergency line at 866-322-8667.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as crews worked to identify and correct the issue.

04/15/2026