Storms, Shootings and Emergency Drill Mark Busy Weekend in Baton Rouge

Heavy Rain Floods Roads Across the City

Saturday night’s storms left parts of Baton Rouge under water, with emergency crews responding to stalled vehicles and high-water rescues. Several cars became stuck at the Acadian Thruway underpass, a familiar trouble spot during heavy downpours.

Officials reported multiple abandoned vehicles as rain moved through late in the evening. A flash flood warning remained in effect through midnight, and scattered showers continued into Sunday. Forecasters are also monitoring another round of potentially strong storms expected midweek.

Airport Stages Full-Scale Crash Drill

While storms soaked the region, first responders gathered at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport for a large-scale emergency exercise Saturday.

The federally required drill simulated a plane crash, complete with a mock aircraft fire and dozens of volunteer ‘passengers’ with staged injuries. Fire crews, law enforcement, EMS, and air-med teams participated in the coordinated response. Airport leaders say the graded exercise is critical to maintaining certification and preparing agencies for real-life emergencies.

Multiple Shootings Under Investigation

Baton Rouge Police are investigating a shooting on Geronimo Street near Winbourne Avenue that left three people hospitalized Friday night. Emergency officials say all three victims are in stable condition.

In a separate incident, deputies with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office say a man was shot in the leg on Azalea Park Avenue near Old Hammond Highway. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Both cases remain under investigation.

Fire Reported at Port of Greater Baton Rouge

Crews also responded to a reported fire Saturday at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge in Port Allen. Details about the cause and extent of damage have not yet been released, but emergency teams were seen working the scene.

Redevelopment Talks in North Baton Rouge

On the development front, community members in North Baton Rouge met to discuss long-awaited plans to revitalize a vacant property at Plank Road and Choctaw Drive. Organizers say they are gathering public input before finalizing any design, with hopes of bringing new housing or mixed-use development to the area in the coming years.

Sources

https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/08/heavy-rain-leaves-drivers-stalled-stuck-high-water-during-saturday-nights-soak/
https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/07/baton-rouge-airport-holds-emergency-training-drill-with-mock-plane-crash/
https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/07/shooting-investigation-underway-three-people-taken-hospital/
https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/07/man-shot-leg-azalea-park-ave-east-baton-rouge-parish-deputies-say/
https://www.wafb.com/video/2026/03/07/fire-reported-port-greater-baton-rouge/?outputType=amp
https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/07/north-baton-rouge-residents-weigh-plans-redevelop-vacant-property/