How The Rainy Easter Weekend Could Affect Louisiana Plans

(KMDL-FM) The National Weather Service is asking Louisiana residents to include some rain gear in their Easter baskets as we prepare for the long holiday weekend. A strong frontal system is expected to move into the state, where it will clash with a warm, moist airmass.

Strong Storms, Flooding Rains Possible in Louisiana This Easter Weekend

We won't have to wait until the weekend to get started with shower and thunderstorm activity. Parents with school-age children will want to know that rain chances for this afternoon (Thursday) will be about 50% across much of the I-10 corridor. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the best chance for rain today will come between Noon and 5 pm.

This afternoon could also be a "getaway day" for travelers who will be on the road for Good Friday and the Easter weekend. We should also note that students at UL in Lafayette and McNeese State in Lake Charles will begin their spring break from studies at the conclusion of classes this week.

Weather.gov/LakeCharles

Rain chances for Good Friday will be about 50%, but the day will feature a mix of clouds and sun and those passing showers. We don't anticipate Good Friday being a washout for crawfish boils and family gatherings, but do have a rain plan ready in case there is rain on your celebration.

Unseen Force Will Affect Good Friday Crawfish Boils in Louisiana

Wind will also be an issue on Friday. If you're planning on putting up a tent or a tarp to shield your celebration, just know that gusty winds will add more than an air of frustration to your celebration.

Staff Photo

The Weather Prediction Center is suggesting that Louisiana could be primed for an excessive rain event on Saturday and into Saturday night. Rainfall rates in slow-moving or "training" thunderstorms could cause localized street flooding. Rain chances on Saturday will be the highest after 1 pm.

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The threat of heavy downpours and stronger thunderstorms will remain in the area through Saturday night. By Easter Sunday morning, the forecast timing suggests most of the heavier weather will be out of the area, but there will still be a threat of rain early in the day on Sunday.

Weather.gov/LakeCharles

However, the biggest atmospheric change from Saturday to Sunday will be the temperatures. Sunday morning, low temperatures will be in the 60s. By Monday, those morning low readings will be in the lower 50s. So, expect Easter Sunday to be cloudy, windy, and considerably cooler than it has been this past week.

Will There Be Severe Storms in Louisiana Easter Weekend?

As of now, the Storm Prediction Center has not placed Louisiana at risk for severe storms, but I wouldn't be surprised if an updated forecast later today didn't include at least some portion of the state in a severe weather risk.

Now, if you find Mother Nature has changed your plans and you can't boil your own crawfish, you might give these places a try. These are places that you picked and told us about.