Weather Service – Louisiana Severe Threat ‘Enhanced’ for Monday

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the severe weather threat for many cities in Louisiana on Monday. Unfortunately, this kind of "upgrade" isn't one for the better. In this case, forecasters are now suggesting that for some 2 million people in the Gulf South, including residents of cities such as Monroe, Louisiana, and Alexandria, Louisiana the threat to life and property is very real during the day today extending into the nighttime hours.

The graphic you see above describes the levels of threat associated with severe weather in the United States. The Storm Prediction Center is responsible for forecasting and updating severe storm threats across the nation. Over the weekend we learned Louisiana residents, all of us, would be under a "slight risk" of severe storms. Now, for portions of the state that threat has been shifted to "enhanced".

The Storm Prediction Center has released this graphic depicting the areas of the country that need to be weather-aware today and into the evening hours. The area that you see marked as "ENH" is where forecasters believe the greatest severe storm threat is today. As you can see, the rest of Louisiana remains in the "slight risk" zone but don't be surprised if you see or hear of watches and warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes anywhere in the state today and tonight.

Gusty Winds and Heavy Downpours Forecast for Louisiana on Monday

The National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles, Louisiana is warning residents of the dangers this storm could bring to the area. One of those dangers is damaging winds. Here is the forecast for wind gusts across South Louisiana and the I-10 corridor today.

This storm system is capable of producing torrential downpours that could lead to some street flooding and the ponding of water on roadways for a short time. This will not be a prodigious rainmaking event. You can see the forecast totals from the National Weather Service below. 

What Are Today's Weather Dangers Across Louisiana?

The NWS has created a nice graphic that gives a visual explanation of what forecasters are expecting from this storm system. The greatest threats involve high winds, lightning, and the formation of tornadoes across the forecast area. To a lesser extent is the threat of flooding and the threat of damage from hail. Those two things could still happen but don't appear to be as likely as the other three items.

What is the Timing of Monday's Severe Storms in Louisiana?

Please remember that weather forecasting is a science but not an exact science, so like your local cable company we're going to give you a time range of when to expect the most of the worst when it comes to today's storms. Today won't be a washout by any means. But there will be rain and it is most likely to begin in South Louisiana after lunchtime today.

The strongest of the storms will move into the area by late afternoon but a more likely scenario suggests the biggest booms of thunder and the most brilliant flashes of lightning will move through the area after sundown. The worst of your weather will likely begin after school lets out and before bedtime tonight.

The remainder of the workweek should be sunny and quiet leading into the Good Friday Holiday and Easter Weekend.