Severe Weather Heading For South Louisiana This Weekend

(Lake Charles, Louisiana) - Large violent tornadoes, heavy rain, and high winds are coming to South Louisiana this weekend. We have all the details.

Very dangerous weather will start in Louisiana tomorrow and continue on through Saturday. Officials are saying Louisiana residents need to prepare for the severe weather and take heed to all the warnings.

Get our free mobile app

Louisiana weather expert Meteorologist Zach Fradella says a "significant severe weather event" is heading for Louisiana this weekend.

Zach goes on to say that we should expect to see "large, violent tornadoes" in portions of the state this Friday and Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles will hold a live briefing on their Facebook page later today with more details on the severe weather coming for south Louisiana.

If a tornado is headed your way, follow these safety steps immediately:

If You Are Indoors:

1. Go to a Safe Shelter – Head to a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor (such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway) away from windows.
2. Cover Yourself – Use heavy blankets, a mattress, or a helmet to protect against flying debris.
3. Stay Away from Windows – Flying glass and debris can cause serious injuries.
4. Crouch Low – If possible, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and cover your head and neck.

If You Are in a Mobile Home:

• Evacuate Immediately – Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.
• Go to a Sturdy Shelter – Find a nearby storm shelter or a sturdy building.

If You Are in a Car or Outside:

• Do NOT Try to Outrun the Tornado – Tornadoes can change direction quickly.
• Find a Low-lying Area – A ditch or depression is better than staying in a car. Cover your head and stay as low as possible.
• Avoid Bridges and Overpasses – Wind speeds increase in these areas, making them more dangerous.

After the Tornado Passes:

• Listen for Emergency Alerts – Use a weather radio or smartphone for updates.
• Avoid Downed Power Lines – Assume all wires are live and dangerous.
• Check for Injuries – Provide first aid if needed and seek help for the injured.

Weather Forecast for SWLA:

• Tonight: Widespread dense fog, mainly after 5am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Friday Night: Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 46. North wind around 5 mph.