Severe Storm Threat Looms Over Mardi Gras Weekend in Louisiana

National Weather Service warns of potential severe weather on Saturday, but festivities expected to largely continue as planned

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a marginal risk of severe storms across most of Louisiana this weekend, with the worst weather expected to arrive late Saturday night. While residents in north Louisiana may see earlier impacts, forecasters say the heavier rain and storms in south Louisiana should hold off until after 9 PM, allowing Mardi Gras celebrations to continue largely uninterrupted.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a major cultural event in Louisiana, drawing large crowds for parades, festivals, and other outdoor activities. Any severe weather threat during this busy weekend could disrupt plans and pose risks to public safety, so the timing of the storms is crucial for allowing the festivities to proceed as scheduled.

The details

The Storm Prediction Center has placed almost all of Louisiana under a "marginal risk" for severe storms on Saturday. Residents in north Louisiana will likely see the effects of the approaching storm system earlier in the day, while the heavier rain and potential for severe weather in south Louisiana is expected to hold off until late Saturday night, after 9 PM. Forecasters say the worst of the storms should move out of the region by mid-afternoon on Sunday, boding well for events planned on the 15th.

  • The severe weather threat is expected to arrive in north Louisiana on Saturday afternoon and evening.
  • In south Louisiana, the heavier rain and storms are forecast to hold off until after 9 PM on Saturday.
  • Most of the falling rain should be out of Acadiana and southwest Louisiana by mid-afternoon on Sunday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings across the United States.

Storm Prediction Center

A division of the National Weather Service that specializes in forecasting severe weather threats and issuing risk assessments.

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What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on the timing and severity of the weather throughout the weekend. Residents should stay tuned to local weather reports and have emergency plans in place in case severe weather does materialize.

The takeaway

While the threat of severe storms looms over the Mardi Gras festivities, the timing of the worst weather holding off until late Saturday night should allow the celebrations to proceed largely as planned. However, residents should still remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions to outdoor events and activities.