Cristobal Leaving Louisiana...

Cristobal is now a Tropical Depression with his center over extreme NE Louisiana east of Monroe.  He's heading farther to the north into Arkansas & Missouri and we should begin to see better weather by late this afternoon.

We are not done with the heavy rain threat as band of Squalls continue to rotate around the center creating "training effects" of heavy storms moving over the same track.   Some spots could get another 1-3" if you get caught under one of these bands.  A flood warning has just been issued for parts of Orleans & Jefferson because of the training.  Pay attention next few hours!

Once the cloud shield of Cristobal pulls away, we're back to basic summertime for Tuesday & Wednesday as more sunshine will mean hotter temps.  An unusual June cold front will sweep through bringing drier air and a relief from the sticky tropical air for Thursday & Friday.

Driving that front will be a deep upper trough that is currently bring very chilly to the western states. Nah, that coolness isn't coming here, but at least the night will feel more comfortable.

Finally, with every tropical threat should follow with lessons learned.  1) Make storm names less confusing.  Here are some of the pronunciations I heard this past weekend.  Crees-ta-ball or Crystal Bull, or Chris Toe Bull.  My suggestion?  Keep the storm name to 2 syllables or even one, the K.I.S.S. effect.  2)  Wind direction matters along with center line track.  Cristobal jogged slightly to the east as he approached the coast keeping the heaviest bands of rain over MS/AL.  The north winds meant water came into Grand Isle on the backside (North) of the Island.  North winds kept the high water of Lake P. away from the North Shore until the winds turned around to the south flooding the Mandeville Lakefront.  Staying to the right of the center line track is VERY important.  3) "Justa Tropical Storm" brought significant high water to many locations out side the levee protection system.  Imagine what will happen when a strong hurricane comes?  And come they will.  4) Gone are the use of the terms "squalls"  (replaced by convective storms) and "stay in port".   I watched a lot of difference weather programs, but I never heard that term. 5)  We have entered the era of more graphics and less radar and satellite interpretation.  Unless NHC points out something in their discussion, most weathercasters are clueless in picking out features on satellite and radar.  Graphics are great, but I miss seeing the individual's knowledge.  Now everybody looks the same.  We are fortunate to have very well qualified weather broadcasters here as other parts of the country are not so lucky.  They worked long hours with little sleep and for that I salute them.  Stay tuned!