Independent Parade Cancelled, Lafayette Mardi Gras Parades Moved

South Louisiana had beautiful sunny weather for the weekend parades in Youngsville, Lafayette, and Church Point, but the forecast for Mardi Gras Day doesn't look as promising.

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The Queens Parade on Monday night is expected to go on as planned, starting at 6 pm at the intersection of Jefferson and Slemco and wrapping up at Cajun Feild around 9:30-10 pm.

However, on Tuesday, the KATC weather team is predicting stormy weather to roll through Acadiana, and parades have started to announce rescheduled times and cancellations.

Local Meteorologists are warning of wind gusts anywhere from 20-40 mph and possible tornados that could impact float riders and parade attendees.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Parades Cancelled Others Moved Up Due To Severe Weather Threat

Lafayette can expect storms to arrive late afternoon into the evening, which unfortunately lines up with the Fat Tuesday parades. Here are the latest details on what Lafayette parades:

King Gabriel's Parade: Now starting an hour earlier at 9 am.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade: Planned to roll at 1 pm but will now start at 10 am.

Independent Parade: CANCELLED

The Lafayette Police Department issued the following statement:

"Due to forecasted high winds exceeding 50 mph, the King Gabriel parade will now begin at 9:00 AM, followed immediately by the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade. The Independent Parade is cancelled. Road closures will begin earlier than scheduled, at 8:30 AM. Due to the high wind advisory, spectators are urged not to erect tents or canopies, as they pose a significant risk of becoming airborne and causing damage or injury. Please exercise caution regarding flying debris and unsecured lightweight objects such as signs, banners, and flags. The National Weather Service is actively monitoring the situation. For the latest updates, please refer to our Facebook page."

We have also updated the schedule and route adjustments for other parades across Acadiana.

While Lafayette parades are just expected to start earlier Jefferson Parish has announced no parades will roll Mardi Gras Day.

Filed Under: Mardi Gras