Ominous Update: Severe Weather, Flooding Rains for Louisiana

The first weekend of 2025 in Louisiana. What will most folks in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Shreveport be doing? If I had to guess, I would say at least a little bit of the weekend would be devoted to "de-holidaying" the house. No, that's probably not a word but you knew what I meant.

If you are going to be removing "Rudolph" and deflating "Frosty" and taking down icicle lights and wreaths you'll probably want to complete that task today, Saturday. I don't think you'll like what Mother Nature has planned for Louisiana on Sunday. It could get really rowdy really quickly so it's better that we make you aware today ahead of tomorrow's potentially stormy Sunday.

A very strong cold front is poised to push through Louisiana Sunday night. Ahead of that front, there is a strong indication that severe storms and squall lines will form. These storms will have the potential to create damaging winds, excessive rains, and life-threatening tornadoes as well.

Here is where the Storm Prediction Center believes the worst of the storms will occur.

In that graphic, you can clearly see that the bullseye is on Louisiana. All of the state will be at risk for severe storms on Sunday. The northeastern corner of the state will be at the greatest risk for the worst weather. That part of the state is at an "enhanced" risk. The majority of the state falls into the yellow shading which is a slight risk and the green shaded area suggests where a marginal risk of severe storms will occur.

In addition to the severe weather, tornadoes, damaging winds, and frequent lightning, the entire state is at a marginal risk for an excessive rainfall event. An excessive rainfall event is when rain falls faster than municipal drainage systems can drain away.

These events only last for a few hours but can be devastating if they happen during rush hour or when parents are attempting to drop off or pick up kids from school. The fact that this potential weather problem is forecast for Sunday afternoon shouldn't create a major problem but if you're caught out in it, you will have problems.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is suggesting the heavier showers and storms won't move into the state until Noon on Sunday. The showers and storms should last through at least midnight Monday morning.

Many forecast models, such as the one you see depicted above suggest a strong squall line will proceed the cold front as it marches across the state. Ahead of the front, it will be stormy, behind the front it will get cold very quickly.

Temperatures on Monday morning will be in the 30s as most school-agers return to class following the Christmas break. So, many parents will have the added "excitement" of making sure the kiddos are dressed warmly since temperatures will not warm up that much during the course of the day on Monday.

And for those of you who were wondering about that prediction of snow for Louisiana next week. It looks as though the Weather Prediction Center has moved that frozen precipitation threat a lot further north. So, snow angels and snowball fights will have to be postponed to another time.

Meanwhile, be prepared for severe weather watches and warnings during the day on Sunday and yes your favorite or least favorite TV weather person will likely have to interrupt your football game to tell you about the danger to your family. If and when they do, send them a note telling them "Thank You" for doing their jobs.