NEW ORLEANS — A powerful weather system, carrying the potential for tornadoes, is poised to move through Louisiana and the broader southern United States on Tuesday, coinciding with the colorful Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans and other southern locales.
The severe weather forecast represents an early significant challenge for the National Weather Service following the recent dismissal of numerous forecasters prompted by President Donald Trump’s initiatives to downsize federal agencies. Critics, including former employees, warn that the reduction of meteorologists, critical for creating local forecasts, could endanger public safety.
This week poses multiple weather concerns for the United States, beginning with dust storms that severely reduced visibility in areas of New Mexico and western Texas. In response, the National Weather Service issued Dust Storm Warnings, highlighting “widespread blowing dust” expected on Tuesday, according to the office serving Midland and Odessa, Texas.
Monday’s update from the weather service outlined that the developing strong weather system will likely bring challenges such as potential blizzard conditions, high winds, flash floods, severe storms, dust storms, and extreme fire weather conditions to the central regions of the nation.
On Tuesday, the federal Storm Prediction Center anticipates possibilities for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail as a vigorous storm traverses the central United States, impacting Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The area facing the greatest risk of severe weather spans from eastern Texas to Alabama, affecting over 7 million residents, and includes cities like Baton Rouge and Shreveport in Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama.
Although New Orleans is preparing for intense storms, the annual Mardi Gras festivities involving floats and costumed participants are still planned, though with potential adjustments by parade organizers and local authorities. Elroy James, president of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, mentioned plans to start events earlier, with krewes—social groups organizing the parades—showing flexibility in adapting to necessary changes.
In nearby Jefferson Parish, however, officials canceled Mardi Gras Day parades due to expected high winds and thunderstorms. Cynthia Lee Sheng, the Parish President, stated that safety concerns take precedence, emphasizing community protection during adverse weather.
The National Weather Service cautioned that Mardi Gras floats could become unstable and high winds might topple trees and down power lines, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph (97 kph) on Tuesday afternoon. In Pointe Coupee Parish, known for its historic Mardi Gras parade, the impending weather has led to significant alterations, eliminating marching bands and dance troupes, with officials urging swift removal of tents and debris post-parade.
In Mobile, Alabama, police are vigilant of the weather predictions, prepared to inform the public if the Mardi Gras celebration plans require adjustment. Meanwhile, in Biloxi, Mississippi, a traditional Mardi Gras parade was set to kick off at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Organizers in Pensacola, Florida, planned a Mardi Gras event featuring food trucks, dancing, live music, and a seafood boil.
In New Mexico, visibility challenges were caused by gusty winds dispersing dust and pollen, escalating fire weather risks. These conditions prompted temporary road closures in the southern state and obscured views of the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque. Numerous dust storm and red flag warnings were issued as stronger gusts were anticipated on Tuesday. Forecasters actively monitored these dust storms via satellite.
Social media saw a flurry of posts showing images and videos of tumbleweeds and obscured visibility on roadways due to walls of blowing sand.
Storms and Twister Threats Loom over Mardi Gras
