Mardi Gras 2025 Plans Adjusted Amid Severe Weather Threat

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WVUE) – Mardi Gras 2025 festivities in New Orleans will proceed with significant adjustments due to anticipated severe weather conditions. The Krewe of Zulu will kick off the celebrations at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Rex parade, but many traditional components have been altered to ensure safety.

In a press conference held Monday, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick announced that routes will be shifted to guarantee that all parades leave the streets by noon. Notably, Rex’s route will no longer include Gallier Hall. The New Orleans Police Department retains the authority to make a final decision regarding the parade status Tuesday morning, should conditions necessitate further changes.

Jefferson Parish officials have canceled all Mardi Gras Day parades, citing forecasted winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph and a heightened risk of severe storms. ‘This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community,’ stated Parish President Cynthia Lee-Sheng during the press conference.

The early part of the Mardi Gras forecast appears calm, but conditions are expected to worsen near lunchtime. Winds are projected to begin gusting over 40 mph and will continue throughout the afternoon. Severe storm systems are predicted to enter the area between 4 and 10 p.m., bringing the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall, with a High Wind Watch in effect for the region.

In response to the unfolding weather events, the Carnival in Covington parade has been rescheduled to 9:15 a.m., while the Krewe of Bogue Falaya will roll at 10 a.m. However, the Krewe of Folsom parade has been canceled altogether. In Lafourche Parish, the Krewe of Chana and Shaka will begin at 8 a.m. in Thibodaux, followed by the Krewe of Gheens at 10:30 a.m. and the Krewe of Neptune at 11 a.m. in Golden Meadow. In Terrebonne Parish, the Krewe of Houmas parade will feature floats only, starting at 11 a.m., while the Krewe of Kajuns has been rescheduled for later on Monday night at 6 p.m.

Despite the looming weather concerns, Lundi Gras celebrations continued as planned. The royalty of Argus and Zulu greeted attendees in Kenner’s Rivertown, while thousands gathered at the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival at Woldenberg Park along the New Orleans Riverfront. King Zulu Rodney Paul Mason and Queen Kristen Bonds Mason are expected to arrive via Coast Guard cutter, and the French Quarter is seeing increased foot traffic from locals and tourists eager to participate in the iconic celebration, rain or shine.