News Summary

New Orleans is preparing for severe storms this weekend, with many events and parades rescheduled to ensure public safety. The National Weather Service warns of potential large hail, high winds, and tornadoes. While Saturday’s festivities are moved to Sunday, residents are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible threats. The area remains under various weather advisories as the community huddles together for safety amidst the stormy weather forecasted for March 15.

New Orleans Braces for Severe Storms This Weekend: Parades and Events Affected

This weekend, the beautiful city of New Orleans is gearing up for severe storms that are expected to shake things up on Saturday, March 15. With skies turning ominous, parade officials have announced some big changes to local schedules, ensuring everyone stays safe while still enjoying the vibrant spirit of the city.

Safety First: Rescheduled and Canceled Events

The news is in: Multiple parades and outdoor events originally slated for Saturday will now be rescheduled or shifted to Sunday. The Covington Celtic Club Parade, a beloved celebration, has found a new home on Sunday, March 16, kicking off at 11 a.m. If you were looking forward to celebrating 25 years of Equest Farm in New Orleans, don’t worry; that’s also been postponed to Sunday, March 16. It seems Sunday is shaping up to be a real community day!

As the rain washes through, many outdoor gatherings planned for Saturday have opted to move to Sunday in hopes of clearer skies. One significant event focusing on colorectal cancer awareness has been adjusted to take place on Saturday, March 22, from noon to 3 p.m. at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. This change allows participants to prioritize their health while avoiding the stormy weather.

What’s on the Weather Horizon?

The National Weather Service has sounded the alarm with a “moderate risk” warning for severe weather—a level 4 out of 5—for both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Meteorologists are predicting that scattered thunderstorms will begin rolling in around 10 a.m. on Saturday, with conditions deteriorating as the afternoon approaches. Buckle up because temperatures are set to rise, bringing with them serious weather threats!

Understand the Risks

Make sure to stay informed about what could potentially be coming your way. Residents should be alert for large hail, wind gusts that could soar over 80 mph, and possibly even tornadoes with strengths of EF2 or greater. Yikes! The forecast suggests that while the worst of the weather is expected to clear out of the south shore by around 7 p.m., folks on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain might be contending with severe conditions until about 10 p.m.

Preparation is Key

With these storms looming, it’s crucial for residents to get ready! Now’s the time to gather emergency supplies, as the NWS has pointed out that this storm system is presenting a higher tornado threat than usually observed in southern Louisiana. The potential for long-track tornadoes adds a layer of seriousness to the situation. Keep in mind that flying debris, tornado damage, and power outages could be on the table, so preparedness is the name of the game!

Weather Warnings in Full Swing

Southeast Louisiana is under a wind advisory, and a coastal flood advisory is also in effect for the Mississippi Coast through Saturday night. This week has already experienced fog advisories due to low visibility, a reminder that weather conditions can change quickly in our vibrant city.

Stay Safe, New Orleans!

As the weekend arrives, let’s keep safety as a priority while we navigate through this stormy weather waiting just around the corner. New Orleans is known for its resilience, so while the storms may try to dampen our spirits, let’s rally together and look forward to the clear skies that will surely follow!