Houma Thibodaux News

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an update regarding the heavy rain and wind threat in the New Orleans area for Saturday into Sunday. According to the NWS, there is a slight to marginal risk of excessive rainfall, with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches and locally higher amounts. The antecedent saturated soil conditions and urban areas may lead to isolated areas of flash flooding.

In addition to the heavy rain, there will be gusty winds with wind gusts of 25-35mph, possibly higher in any heavier thunderstorms. While these winds are below the advisory criteria, they could have impacts on high profile vehicles such as Mardi Gras floats.

The heaviest rains and threat of isolated flash flooding are expected on Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning. There may be lingering light showers into Monday. The entire area will be affected, but the focus will be on the slight risk area primarily along and south of I-10/12 and across the Pearl River basin. Gusty winds will be possible across the entire area, but greater confidence for higher wind gusts will be along coastal areas of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi.

"We are very confident in widespread rainfall totals of 1-3" of rain, with isolated higher amounts," said the NWS. "We have moderate confidence that the heavy rain will lead to at least isolated impacts."

The NWS also warns of the potential impacts of the heavy rain and gusty winds. Intense rain rates over antecedent saturated soil conditions and in urban areas may lead to isolated spots of flash flooding. Strong, gusty winds could impact high profile vehicles. There may also be ponding of water in low lying and poor drainage areas, especially in the slight risk area.

To stay updated on the latest weather information and forecasts, the NWS recommends visiting their website at www.weather.gov/neworleans. They also have a Mardi Gras Decision Support Page with more detailed, hourly weather forecast information for parade locations.

The NWS New Orleans Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NWSNewOrleans) and Twitter account (@NWSNewOrleans) are additional resources for information. Residents are also encouraged to report any storm-related information through the NWS's online weather reporting system at https://www.weather.gov/lix/submit_storm_report.

As the heavy rain and gusty winds continue to be a concern in the New Orleans area, it is important for residents and visitors to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.