After a had southeast Louisiana and Mississippi Coast residents sweating, a system of severe storms and possible flash flooding could disrupt the weekend, local forecasters say.
From Saturday morning into early Sunday, the National Weather Service placed most of the region under a slight risk of scattered severe storms, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houma, Hammond and the northshore. A "slight risk" is the second level out of five on a scale of severity used by the NWS.Â
The highest risk exists for northwestern portions of the region, including the Atchafalaya Basin and a western portion of the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, according to the NWS. This portion has been placed on the third level in the five-level scale, or an "enhanced risk" for numerous severe storms.
There is a level 3 out of 5 threat for severe storms to impact the area Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Damaging winds over 75 mph are the greatest threat. These type of winds could uproot trees and cause power outages. Stay weather aware Saturday night.
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans)
Forecasters have increasing confidence that severe thunderstorms could begin hitting the northwestern portions Saturday evening with a line of storms moving east and southeast Sunday morning, according to the NWS.
Forecasters say thee storms should begin around 10 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday, though confidence in timing is still low.Â
There's also a low chance a the line of storms slows down over New Orleans and the northshore on Sunday, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
The northwest portion of southeast Louisiana faces a particular risk of damaging wind gusts over 75 mph in particular. A Category 1 hurricane, in comparison, produces sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph.
At those speeds, winds can down trees or large tree limbs and can damage weaker structures.
Scattered flash flooding is possible for most of the region Saturday, according to the NWS. The Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas have a slight risk of flash flooding while Morgan City, Houma and New Iberia have a marginal risk. New Orleans and Slidell were not part of the area at risk for flooding.Â
On Sunday, New Orleans, Houma, Hammond and Slidell are part of the area with a marginal risk of isolated severe storms while areas east of New Orleans, including Biloxi, have a slight risk of scattered storms. Isolated flash flooding is also possible for these cities Sunday.Â
Over the weekend, storms could also bring large hail of up to 2 inches in diameter, a few tornadoes and 1 to 2 inches of rainfall — eastern portions such as the Mississippi coast and northshore may get up to 3 inches of rain.Â
Upcoming ForecastÂ
Here is the for the beginning of next week in New Orleans as threatens Louisiana:Â
- Monday - A 20% chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 66 degrees. Northwest winds around 15 mph.
- Monday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 52 degrees. North winds around 10 mph.
- Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 72 degrees. North winds around 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night - Clear, with a low around 54 degrees. North winds around 5 mph.
- Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night - Clear, with a low around 59 degrees. South winds around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Thursday - Sunny, with a high near 76 degrees.