Mid-day Update On Severe Potential...

Damaging storms overnight in Texas (right where SPC predicted) have raced into Louisiana & Mississippi and the threat for strong storms here continues to increase for later this afternoon.  SPC's updated outlook has a level 4 risk (Moderate) for the North Shore with a level 3 (enhanced) for the South Shore.

A Tornado Watch has been issued until 7 PM for all of south LA?MS.  Based on the SPC outlook & radar views, the strongest storms are more likely north of Lake Pontchartrain.

As you can see, there is a lot of lightning with the line of storms.  Timing brings it to us between 3-6.

This is a complex situation with a surface low near Kansas City and a trailing cold front draped down into Texas.  We clearly are in the warm air sector with dew points near 70 (deep low level moisture) and shearing winds out of the SE at the surface & SW higher up.  I expect we'll see gusts topping 60 mph with the squall line and that may result in some power outages.   This will be a quick burst of bad weather as we clear out for the rest of the week.

Note the cooler temperatures coming for tonight & tomorrow.  Expected rainfall is 1-2" on the South Shore & 2-3"+ north.  In addition, strong SE winds are creating high tides causing some flooding outside of the levee protection system.  I'll have another update after 4 PM.  Get ready & stay tuned!