Southeast Louisiana faces the risk of heavy rains, flash floods, gusty winds and possibly tornadoes Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rains beginning Monday afternoon make flash floods in some areas "likely," and there is the potential of "significant flash flooding," according to a thread posted by the NWS on X, formerly Twitter. The New Orleans area could see as much as three inches of rain or more.
"Damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes and large hail will be possible" with storms on Monday afternoon that are expected to persist into the overnight hours, the thread said. There are also expected to be two waves of severe weather on Monday afternoon driven by a warm front moving northeast, and the second coming overnight with a front moving in from the west.
☔️ HEAVY RAIN/FLASH FLOODING: Will be a significant concern, with multiple waves of strong/severe storms delivering torrential rainfall amounts around 2 to 4 inches, and locally higher. With the threat extending overnight, USE EXTREME caution if traveling! #lawx #mswx (2/7) pic.twitter.com/vge8wugUpQ
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) January 7, 2024
Some areas of southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi could see as much as three to four inches of rain. All areas could see as much as two to three inches. Local amounts could be even higher.
Marine areas could see especially high winds. Coastal areas are likely to experience some flooding during the high tide Monday afternoon into Tuesday, the thread said.
Because of the potential for overnight bad weather, residents are encouraged to make sure they receive alerts in a way that will wake them in case of severe weather, the thread said. Forecasters also reminded residents not to attempt to drive on flooded roads.
