Weather Service – Timing Today’s Severe Weather Threat in Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) The only places in Louisiana that are not "technically" at risk for severe weather today are those places that are located in the extreme northwestern corner of the state and the extreme southeastern corner of the state. Otherwise, if you live in Louisiana, you are going to need to be "weather aware" for the next 24 to 36 hours.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the vast majority of Louisiana in the Marginal Risk category for severe storms today. A severe thunderstorm, if you're not aware, is a storm that produces quarter-sized hail and wind gusts in excess of 58 mph.

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Residents of Shreveport, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Tallulah should be on the lookout for storms that might bring those conditions to where they live.

The catalyst for the strong storms is a cold front. We have just crossed over into the fall season, so cold fronts should start to push through Louisiana regularly. When the fronts move through in September and October, as the seasons are changing, it's not surprising to get strong storms, flooding rains, and possible tornadoes.

When Will The I-20 Corridor See the Worst of the Storms?

Already in the Shreveport area this morning, strong storms have prompted flood warnings and watches. A quick scan of the weather radar suggests the worst has yet to move through the I-20 corridor.

Speaking of the I-20 corridor, your best chances for bad weather will come in the morning and early afternoon hours of today. By tonight, showers should be moving out and the breeze should have swung around to the north.

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What Time Should Alexandria and CENLA See the Worst of the Storms?

If you're in CENLA or the Alexandria area, your showers and storms will move in a little later in the morning. Maybe even closer to lunchtime. You will experience strong storms with flooding rains possible from midday today until early in the day on Thursday. Then you will get to enjoy the "good side" of the cold front.

What Time Will Lafayette, Lake Charles, and The I-10 Corridor See Storms?

For Louisiana's I-10 corridor, the western sections of that part of the state, Lafayette and Lake Charles, your heavier showers should commence after lunch. Unfortunately, that could mean heavy weather as school lets out across the area. Some of our heavier showers and storms are anticipated between 2 pm and 7 pm this evening.

Based on what we've gleaned by reading Daniel Phillips' post on KATC TV's website, the rain and storms should end early in the evening, and when you wake up on Thursday morning, you will be impressed with the difference in how it feels when compared with this morning. 

Please note, we cannot offer definitive timing on when your part of the state might be experiencing the worst weather. Use these projections as a "basic guide" for how to plan your day. And if you do see threatening conditions, no matter what time of day you see them, get to a place of safety as quickly as you can.

Once the front moves through, the entire state of Louisiana should enjoy a couple of spectacular days with warm afternoons and cool mornings with lower humidity. The refreshing break will be short-lived, though. Temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90 return in time for the beginning of the workweek next week. Until then, enjoy.