The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is closely monitoring another threat for severe thunderstorms beginning Wednesday and lasting through the night. According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC), thunderstorms capable of tornadoes and severe wind gusts across the Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley and Southeast. This is one of several threats forecast for Louisiana in recent weeks. GOHSEP is urging the public to finalize your emergency game plans now and stay weather aware.
“No one wants another round of dangerous weather, but unfortunately we appear to be facing a serious threat again Wednesday,” said GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle. “A series of threats like we have experienced in recent weeks are not uncommon for the Gulf Coast this time of year. We must remain vigilant when these threats happen. Take action now to prepare and stay weather aware over the next few days. Talk to your family members and develop an emergency communications plan. Check your emergency supplies. Make sure your devices are charged and turned on to receive any potential emergency alerts. Go towww.GetAGamePlan.org to finalize your emergency plans.”
Here are the latest updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Louisiana:
NWS Shreveport:
Timing and Overview:
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will move through the region late Tuesday night through early Wednesday afternoon. The greatest severe threat will be Wednesday over Central Louisiana and Northeast Louisiana. Damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible.
NWS Lake Charles:
Timing and Overview:
A severe weather event is expected to unfold on Wednesday. All modes of severe weather will be possible, however, damaging winds appear to be the primary threat at this point.
NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge:
Timing and Overview:
WHAT: ENHANCED RISK of Severe Weather
WHEN: The line will be moving west to east, entering the state of Louisiana by sunrise and exiting the coastal MS counties after midnight.
WHERE: All of SE LA and S MS has a threat of severe weather with the highest threat being north of I-12/I-10
CONFIDENCE: Confidence continues to increase that severe weather will occur. Confidence is also increasing that damaging winds with a line of storms will be the main threat. At this time, the tornado threat would be confined to brief tornadoes within the line. That could change as we get closer to the event.
Impacts:
The main threats associated with any severe storms will be:
Wind gusts greater than 70 mph will be possible
Trees and power lines could be damaged and lead to isolated/scattered power outages
A few tornadoes will be possible
Excessive rainfall and widespread flooding are not expected at this time.
Visit http://www.511la.org for road updates if you must travel during potentially dangerous weather conditions. Keep your phones and devices charged and near you while the threat continues in order to receive potential emergency messaging.
