BATON ROUGE — Confidence is increasing that Mardi Gras Day will bring multiple significant weather impacts, including severe storms, across South Louisiana.
“This is a very dynamic system and the potential is there for a rather rough day across the region,” National Weather Service forecasters said. “At this time we expect to see scattered thunderstorms develop around midday/early afternoon just west of the Baton Rouge metro.”
Weather Impacts
Very strong winds and thunderstorms with frequent lightning pose the biggest threats to the area on Tuesday. The severe weather risk has already led to several Mardi Gras parades being postponed or rescheduled.
Sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, are possible across the Baton Rouge area. A High Wind Warning has been issued for all of Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi.
The High Wind Warning will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
In addition to high winds, the region is under an enhanced risk of severe weather on Tuesday. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Baton Rouge area under an enhanced risk (3 out of 5) for severe storms.
Some showers ahead of the storms will move through by late morning. Strong storms developing along the front will begin to race east Tuesday morning and arrive in the Baton Rouge area just after noon.
“All modes of severe weather will be on the table with this,” NWS forecasters advised. Threats from these storms include damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail.
Day-by-Day Forecast
TUESDAY: Isolated, spotty showers possible in the morning. High winds are expected throughout the day ahead of a line of strong to severe storms arriving in the late afternoon and lasting into the early evening. The most significant severe weather threat remains north of I-12.
Main time frame for storms is noon to 6 p.m. for the Baton Rouge metro.
WEDNESDAY: Beautiful weather follows the cold front. Sunny, highs in the mid-60s, with calmer winds.
This is a developing story. As soon as more details are provided, the story will be updated. Check back for new information.
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