NEW ORLEANS — With severe storms predicted to sweep through Louisiana and the broader South on Tuesday, officials hastily rearranged Mardi Gras festivities while urging partygoers to refrain from bringing umbrellas and tents that could become hazardous in high winds.
In an effort to sidestep the potential destruction of a fierce weather front, New Orleans officials made the decision to reschedule the city’s two largest Mardi Gras Day parades and truncated their paths. The police, under the leadership of Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, geared up to expedite the parade procession, ensuring that the array of floats and hundreds of participants would complete the route before the onset of stronger winds.
This dire weather prediction comes at a critical juncture for the National Weather Service, which recently saw hundreds of its meteorologists dismissed due to significant budget cuts imposed by the federal government. The firing of these vital forecasters, who provide localized weather predictions nationwide, has raised concerns about public safety risks.
Apart from storm warnings in Louisiana, the nation braced for a series of weather disturbances. Dust storms enveloped parts of New Mexico and West Texas on Monday, drastically lowering visibility, prompting the issuance of Dust Storm Warnings by the National Weather Service. These conditions were set to persist into Tuesday, according to the Weather Service in Texas.
An intense weather system forecasted for the week threatened a mix of extreme conditions — from blizzards and high winds to flash flooding, severe storms, and hazardous fire weather in key regions of the heartland. The Storm Prediction Center alerted residents across sections of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi of potential tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail.
A concentrated zone experiencing heightened severe weather risk was identified, extending from East Texas through Alabama, affecting an estimated seven million residents. Major cities like Baton Rouge and Shreveport in Louisiana, Jackson in Mississippi, and Mobile in Alabama were placed on high alert.
In preparation for the impending storms, New Orleans fortified its contingencies, though the traditional exuberance of Mardi Gras, complete with parades, costumes, and floats, was to continue but now with modifications. The city’s “krewe” leaders — tasked with parade organization — collaborated closely with authorities on implementing safety measures.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick advised spectators against bringing items, such as umbrellas and tents, which could become perilous in powerful gusts. She also held the authority to cancel events should conditions worsen. “I won’t cancel lightly, but I am prepared to do so if necessary,” she assured.
Two additional parades, originally slated for later on Tuesday featuring about 200 truck floats, were postponed This cautious action mirrored the decision just outside New Orleans, where officials in Jefferson Parish preempted expected high winds and storms by canceling planned festivities. “While disappointing, safety is paramount,” emphasized Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
The National Weather Service cautioned about the risk of Mardi Gras floats becoming unstable and the possibility of high winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), which could topple trees and power lines as the day unfolded.
In Pointe Coupee Parish, close to Baton Rouge, the looming turbulent weather led to the paring-down of a historic Mardi Gras celebration, eliminating traditional bands, marchers, and dancers — cornerstones of the Carnival season. Officials also advanced start times and requested residents promptly dismantle all temporary structures to avert any safety hazards.
Elsewhere in the South, cities hosting Mardi Gras events carefully watched weather updates. Mobile, Alabama anticipated substantial Mardi Gras turnouts and law enforcement there pledged to inform the public of any critical changes to plans. Biloxi, Mississippi preparations included a parade start at 1 p.m. Tuesday, while in Pensacola, Florida’s Panhandle, Big Easy vibes dictated the tone for a festival filled with food trucks, live music, dancing, and a flavorful seafood boil.
