‘Tropical Storm-Like’ Wind, Severe Storms Throughout Louisiana for Mardi Gras

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - As Mardi Gras and its severe weather gets closer, forecasters are looking at the potential impact of high winds, a lot of rain, and public safety.

Several Mardi Gras parades are rolling earlier or not at all, worried that the bad weather could cause problems on the parade route. Other activities are being moved or postponed.

READ MORE:

• Independent Parade Cancelled, Lafayette Mardi Gras Parades Moved Up Due to Weather
• South Louisiana Parades Canceled, Rescheduled Due to Severe Mardi Gras Weather

KATC chief meteorologist Rob Perillo is tracking the situation, with a major emphasis on those high winds.

"Wind gets cranking and gusting 40mph+ between 9-10am with gusts approaching 45-55mph late morning into the afternoon ahead and outside of any storms that arrive either later in the morning into the afternoon," he wrote on Facebook Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service is tracking the major weather patterns as well.

"There is a slight to enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms on Mardi Gras day (Tuesday)," the NWS in Lake Charles said. "A few of the most intense storms will have chances to produce all modes of severe weather."

Louisiana State Police Issue Weather Warning

Things are looking so dire that Louisiana State Police are issuing travel warnings to drivers for Mardi Gras day.

In a post on social media, LSP noted that the weather will hit a large portion of the state.

"There is an Enhanced Risk (3 of 5) of severe weather to impact a large portion of Louisiana tomorrow," LSP noted. "The severe weather event may produce damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, hail up to one inch or greater, and localized flooding. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and alerts as watches and warnings will likely occur. It is highly recommended to have multiple ways to receive warnings."

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LSP reminds drivers that if they have to travel, they should wear their seatbelts and increase following distance behind other cars. It's a bad idea to drive too close, especially when the roads are slick.

This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.

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