NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Widespread thunderstorms are forecast Wednesday across the central Gulf Coast, some of which may produce strong wind gusts and tornadoes. Locally heavy rain will also be possible with these storms with street flooding possible.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin moving into the area Wednesday morning and persist through early afternoon.
The latest models show scattered thunderstorm activity between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Then, a line of strong to severe storms is forecast to move across the area between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. before moving off to the east.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 4 risk for severe weather across portions of the Northshore and South Mississippi. Farther south, there is a Level 3 threat for the New Orleans metro.
The main threats in any severe storms that develop will be damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour, large hail, and tornadoes. The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts throughout the day.
Heavy rain is also expected, with some storms producing rainfall rates of 4 to 6 inches per hour. This could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying locations and urban areas with poor drainage.
A Wind Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Wind speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 40 mph will be possible. Gusty winds may blow around unsecured objects.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has also been issued due to the anticipated strong winds out of the south and southeast, which will push water onshore. Coastal flooding of 1 to 2 feet above ground is anticipated during high tide.
After the passage of a cold front Wednesday evening, conditions are expected to improve, with clearing skies overnight into Thursday. Looking ahead, conditions are forecasted to be dry and pleasant for the weekend, with the next potential weather system expected toward the end of the following week.
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