Louisiana Faces Severe Storms: Stay Prepared For Tornadoes

(KMDL-FM) Is this the weekend that "March comes in like a lion"? I heard that expression a lot as a kid, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, or vice versa. I think old-school TV weathermen used to flip to the phrase to match the forecast. Today, fans of anime know March and Lions as something totally different.

What that essentially means is this: at some time around the beginning or end of March, there will be a huge spate of strong storms and severe weather. It looks as if, for Louisiana at least, this is our weekend for such storms.

spc.noaa.gov

Where Are The Severe Storms Now?

Currently, severe storms are rocking the mid-section of the country. There are tornado watches and warnings affecting parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Some of those severe weather watches and warnings could be extended into Louisiana as this Saturday rolls on.

In the graphic that you see below, the Storm Prediction Center has the dividing line between a slight risk of severe storms and a marginal risk of severe storms bisecting Louisiana. Generally, the areas of the state that are south and east of US 165, as far north as Alexandria, are in the marginal risk, while the rest of the state will be under the slight risk.

spc.noaa.gov

Yes, the map does explain it better than I did. The bottom line is this: all of Louisiana is at risk for severe storms and possible tornadoes. One thing the Storm Prediction Center offers is the probability of certain weather events within storms.

What Is the Probability of a Tornado in Louisiana on Saturday?

They issue probability forecasts for damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail. And some of us are in line for all of that. Then again, for others, the conditions might not be as bad as they could be. Let's let this graphic from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles explain the scenarios for each weather phenomenon.

weather.gov/lch

Based on the official forecast from the National Weather Service, the cities of Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans won't see the worst of today's weather until much later in the day on Saturday.

What Time Are Storms Expected Along Louisiana's I-10 Corridor on Saturday?

Rain chances along the I-10 corridor will begin to increase by this afternoon. Some of the heaviest storms might not rumble into the area until sunset or just after. The late-night hours of Saturday and the early-morning hours of Sunday will likely include periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms.

Based on the current forecast, timing rain and passing showers will dot the landscape between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Showers will pick up in coverage and intensity from the west beginning around 3 pm in Lake Charles. The showers will increase in Lafayette a few hours later, and a few hours after that for Baton Rouge.

Ricardo Esquitin via Unsplash.com

As you are aware, Mother Nature doesn't care about our forecasts or timing models, so take those times and that information with a grain of salt. Don't make decisions about life or property based on that general information. But do stay close to local media where you live.

If you have a weather radio, that would be a great addition to your family's arsenal of peace of mind. Or you can simply download the App for this station.

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Once you have the App installed on your device, go to the settings to allow Alerts for Breaking News, Weather, and I would also suggest Traffic. There are other great options you can add, but these three seem to save time, life, and property better than most.

When Will The Rain End in Louisiana This Weekend?

The inclement weather should move through the area and beyond it by mid-morning Sunday. There will be a threat of showers for the early part of the workweek, but next weekend, the weekend of Acadiana's Largest St Patrick's Celebration, Patty in the Parc in Lafayette should have spectacular weather. By the way, tickets are on sale for that event here.