New Orleans: Severe Weather Could Threaten Mardi Gras Festivities

Time to break out the beads, grab a King cake and stake out your spot for the parades in New Orleans because Mardi Gras is here.

But if you’re planning to celebrate in The Big Easy then your parade gear should probably include a rain jacket, boots and an umbrella, just in case - because Mother Nature is trying to rain on your Mardi Gras parade.

Here's the forecast for Fat Tuesday:

Rain and storms are expected across much of the Gulf Coast on Tuesday as a storm system tracks through the region.

Some thunderstorms could be severe with damaging winds, hail and tornadoes possible.

(​MORE: Severe Storms Bring Tornado, Damaging Wind Threat Across South)

Let’s break it down for NOLA:

Tuesday morning should be dry, but windy. However, the chance of showers and t-storms picks up in the afternoon with temperatures rising into the 70s.

Will the party go on?

Last weekend, several parades were postponed due to heavy rain and storms - not the outcome you want to see for one of the most festive days of the year.

New Orleans is a city that knows how to celebrate but adjustments have been made due to the severe weather threat. The two biggest parades are starting early and the routes have been shortened, according to the Associate Press. Additional parades have been postponed until Sunday.

Meteorologist Jennifer Gray, a Louisiana native, knows a thing or two about Mardi Gras. “I’ve been going to Mardi Gras since I was a child, catching beads from my grandmother’s front lawn. Each year we have gone to parades, we have really lucked out with the weather.”

She notes that even though this year’s forecast is looking a little dicey, “New Orleans is the kind of city where no matter the weather - it’s going to be a good time!”

With that said, go out and enjoy Mardi Gras - rain or shine - but keep that weather app handy. We’ll keep an eye on the severe storms while you enjoy the festivities.

C​aitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.