Friday’s Severe Weather Threat in Louisiana – Where and When

For the second time this week, residents of Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry, and Iberia Parishes have been rocked by severe storms and tornadoes. There were confirmed tornadoes in Monday night's bout of severe storms. There could be more rotating storms confirmed across the region later this morning once investigators have the chance to assess the damage in the light of day.

We do know that many parishes across the southern half of Louisiana were under severe weather watches and warnings during part of the day on Thursday. There is a possibility that many of those same areas could be placed under more watches and warnings later today.

The Storm Prediction Center is suggesting that the southern third of Louisiana will be at a slight risk of more severe storms today. The area of concern is generally along and just north of Interstate 10. You can see the visual from the SPC in the graphic below.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is suggesting via their regional forecast that the morning hours of Friday will be the quieter hours of the day. The showers and storms will increase in coverage and intensity after lunch. And, there will be a threat of strong storms, maybe reaching severe limits into the early evening hours.

The forecast has already created some changes in sporting events that are scheduled in the Lafayette area. The NCAA Regional Softball Tournament hosted by the University of Louisiana has announced a change in game times today.

The host school, UL will face Princeton at Noon and the Ole Miss versus Baylor game will be played after that game has been finished. The hope is to get the games in before the weather goes downhill later this afternoon.

There have also been schedule changes because of the weather at the Baton Rouge NCAA Softball Regional.

There will be a threat of showers during the morning hours of Saturday but conditions across South Louisiana should improve as the weekend wears on. By Sunday skies should be mostly sunny with afternoon high temperatures reaching close to 90 degrees.