Severe Weather Approaching, Tornado Watch Coming...

The thinking from SPC (Storm prediction Center) hasn't changed since yesterday.  In fact, the predicted severe weather outbreak is happening over western & northern Louisiana right now.  Tornado Watches are up to our west and they will be extended eastward shortly including all of SE LA/MS.

The North Shore is under a level 4 (Moderate) severe risk with the South Shore in a level 3 (Enhanced).   This afternoon into this evening will be a time all of us need to pay attention.

There is a potent upper disturbance over the Plains with a split in the jet stream right over Louisiana.  A solid line of storms is marching eastward with numerous tornado signatures showing up on radar.  The are very strong winds ahead of this line with heavy rain & lots of lightning with the line itself.  Here's the timing I grabbed off Nicondra Norwood's noon program.

The line will be approaching us before 5 PM moving through between 6-8 PM clearing the MS. coast after 9 PM.   Make sure your family & friends are aware of the approaching danger as warnings are very likely.

A wind warning is up for both sides of the Lake with gusts expected to exceed 40-50+ mph.  This will certainly cause sporadic power outages.  Water levels are high with waves splashing over the seawall in Mandeville.

We are in the warm air sector with juicy Gulf moisture interacting with a surface cold front & strong, shearing upper winds.  All signs indicate there will be some damaging storms just before dark.  Please know where your young children are and have a "safe room - no windows" to jump to when warnings are issued.   I'll update again after 4 PM.  Stay tuned!