Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Watches Issued Across Southeast Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for southeast Louisiana, applicable from late Saturday evening through early Sunday morning, in anticipation of severe weather due to an incoming cold front. Residents are urged to prepare as conditions are favorable for tornadoes, with damaging straight-line winds expected to reach up to 60 mph.

This tornado watch indicates that tornadoes could form in and near the outlined areas. It covers multiple parishes, including Orleans and Jefferson, and is intended for residents to review their emergency plans and check supplies. Quick action is crucial if a tornado warning is issued, which signifies that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, posing imminent danger to life and property.

“Understanding the distinction between a tornado watch and warning is critical,” said meteorologist Laura Jones of the National Weather Service. “A watch means be ready, while a warning demands immediate action to seek shelter.” Residents should move to the lowest level of their homes or buildings and steer clear of windows when a warning is issued.

As thunderstorms develop ahead of the cold front, the most significant threat is forecasted to be damaging winds, with numerous severe thunderstorms anticipated in affected areas. A wind advisory is currently in effect, warning of gusts up to 40 mph, particularly during the evening hours.

For those on the University of New Orleans campus, updates regarding tornado watches and warnings will be disseminated through the UA Safety app, local media, and emergency personnel. The Magnolia Parking Deck is designated as a refuge area that accepts pets, provided they are leashed or crated. This facility ensures the safety of all community members, including their animals.

In the event users are unable to reach designated storm shelters, they are advised to seek the nearest safe area within their building or home. Each specific building should have emergency plans indicating ‘Best Available Refuge Areas’ (BARA), which are crucial during severe weather events. If parking is necessary when heading to safety, only legal spots should be used to avoid obstructing others from reaching refuge areas.

Officials stress the importance of not seeking shelter in vehicles or mobile homes during tornado threats. Those in apartment buildings should seek shelter on the lowest floors, avoiding upper stories where potential tornado damage may be more severe.

Louisiana’s storm threat arrives at a peak time of year for severe weather. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news broadcasts, NOAA Weather Radio, and smartphone alerts for the latest updates as they prepare for potential dangers. This is a continuing situation, and forecasts may change depending on developing weather conditions.

As a reminder, in the case of storm damage, residents are encouraged to report incidents to emergency services. The University Police Department can be contacted directly at 205-348-5454. If you see downed power lines or unsafe structures, keep a safe distance and avoid entering those areas until emergency management officials clear them as safe.