South Louisiana is under severe weather and heavy rainfall threats from Tuesday until Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans.
Here is the latest update on the severe weather threat for today and tomorrow. The entire area will see a few rounds of thunderstorms, some of which could become severe. Please be weather aware today and tomorrow and have a way to receive warnings as they are issued! #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/huGjlFc2Lb
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) April 12, 2022
The region is under a lower-level threat than during last month’s storms, but NWS still advises residents to be on the lookout for tornadoes, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and have a plan in place to seek shelter.
“There is the potential for damaging winds greater than 50 mph,” said Megan Williams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New Orleans. “A couple of tornadoes are possible, and some locally heavy rainfall as well. But primarily, that's going to be Wednesday, Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours.”
New Orleans should see the last of the storm system’s effects by 6 a.m. Thursday.
Areas west of McComb, Baton Rouge and Houma are expected to have more severe weather than Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
For Tuesday afternoon into evening, there is a slight risk of severe weather for areas along and west of a line from McComb, MS – Hammond, LA – Houma, LA. Biggest concerns will be damaging winds, large hail, and possibly tornadoes. 2/6 pic.twitter.com/ZFZwOhHK6h
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) April 12, 2022
Northern and central parts of the state, including Shreveport, Alexandria and Monroe, are under greater risk than Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
“They’re under an enhanced risk, which is a three-out-of-five level for the same types of threats,” Williams said.
This kind of weather is normal for the Gulf South during the spring. According to Williams, it’s a natural result of cold air masses from northern parts of the U.S. colliding with warm air masses from the Gulf of Mexico.
“Usually every year, we have some kind of severe or strong weather potential once a week for about a month, a month and a half in the spring,” Williams said.
East Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana parishes are under a river flood warning until 1 p.m. Wednesday. Washington Parish is under a river flood warning until 1 p.m. Saturday. St. Tammany Parish is under a river flood warning until 4 a.m. Monday, April 18.
Tuesday’s weather in Baton Rouge:
- Temperature: high of 83 degrees and low of 70 degrees
- 60% chance of thunderstorms, possibly severe, after 5 p.m.
- Winds blowing south at 15 mph; overnight gusts as high as 30 mph
- Rainfall up to 0.75 inches, with locally higher amounts possible if storms become severe
- Elevated risk of heavy winds, lightning and excessive rainfall
Tuesday’s weather in New Orleans:
- Temperature: high of 82 degrees and low of 70 degrees
- 20% chance of overnight showers and thunderstorms
- Wind gusts up to 25 mph through Wednesday morning
- Insignificant rainfall expected Tuesday, but risk to increase by Wednesday morning
- Elevated severe weather risks not expected until Wednesday
Wednesday's weather in Baton Rouge:
- Flash flood watch in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday
- Temperature: high of 83 degrees and low of 63 degrees
- 80% chance of thunderstorms, possibly severe, from 11 a.m. through Thursday morning
- Winds 10-15 mph through Thursday night
- New rainfall up to 0.5 inches
- Significant lightning risk, elevated risk of heavy winds, excessive rainfall
Wednesday’s weather in New Orleans:
- Flash flood watch in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday
- Temperature: high of 83 degrees, low of 65 degrees
- 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day; severe thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m.
- 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, possibly severe, Wednesday night through Thursday morning
- Neutral ground parking ban lifted in Orleans Parish through 10 a.m. Thursday
- Winds 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph
- Rainfall up to 0.25 inches during the day
- Elevated risk of strong winds, lightning and excessive rainfall
- Storm system will pass through the area by 6 a.m. Thursday
Rain is expected in Baton Rouge and New Orleans this weekend, but there aren’t severe storms forecasted for next week yet.
