Weather Service Confirms Louisiana Severe Threat Easter Weekend

(KMDL-FM) The models were all suggesting it, the long-range forecasts were suggesting it too, and now the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center have confirmed there will be a threat of severe storms and heavy downpours across Louisiana this Easter weekend.

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The Weather Prediction Center, the forecast "specialist" if you will, for the National Weather Service, was already forecasting the potential of an excessive rain event in Louisiana for Saturday afternoon and evening. They have confirmed their forecast and given us a better understanding of the timing.

When Will Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Move Into Acadiana?

Speaking of the timing of the worst of the weather, KATC Television's Chief Meteorologist Rob Perillo has a wonderful "explainer" on the subject, and just to give an idea of what Rob is thinking about when the worst of the weather will arrive, here is a snapshot from the GRAF Model forecast.

As you can see, the model puts Acadiana and South Louisiana under the gun from about 9 pm on Saturday through the wee small hours of Easter Sunday. The prognosis is that if we are going to get a big storm, that would be the window we'd expect it to happen.

When Is Severe Weather Expected in Louisiana over Easter Weekend?

The Storm Prediction Center has placed all of Louisiana at risk for thunderstorms, but the SPC guidance suggests the heaviest of the storms will stay to the north and west of Acadiana. If you drew a line from Lake Charles northeastward to Alexandria and then on toward Vicksburg, Mississippi, the area north and west of that would be the greater area of concern.

For the I-10 corridor, including Lafayette and Baton Rouge, heavy downpours will likely be our bigger concern. The Weather Prediction Center's guidance suggests a marginal risk of rain falling so hard that it might overwhelm municipal drainage for a few hours.

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But based on the guidance, that should all happen while most of us are sleeping on Saturday night, waiting for the Easter Bunny to pass by before sunrise on Sunday. I hope the rabbit brought a coat because Sunday will dawn much cooler than previous mornings. So you might need a sweater or light jacket to go along with your spring ensemble as you prepare for Easter church services.

And if you have family in town, make sure you share this with them. I am sure they'll find it just as interesting as we did.