Severe Thunderstorms Possible Tonight in Lake Charles

Forecasters warn of wind gusts, tornadoes, and heavy rain in Southwest Louisiana.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Lake Charles area, with storms expected to move in between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. tonight. Forecasters are predicting wind gusts up to 40 mph, possible tornadoes, and rainfall amounts between 0.5 and 1 inch. The storms are not expected to significantly impact Mardi Gras festivities, with temperatures remaining in the mid- to late-70s.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can pose a serious threat to public safety, with the potential for downed power lines, flash flooding, and property damage. Lake Charles has experienced its share of severe weather in recent years, so residents will want to closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Lake Charles area, with storms expected to move in between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. tonight. Forecasters are predicting wind gusts up to 40 mph, possible tornadoes, and rainfall amounts between 0.5 and 1 inch. However, the storms are not expected to significantly impact Mardi Gras festivities, with temperatures remaining in the mid- to late-70s.

  • Storms expected between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. tonight.
  • Wind gusts up to 40 mph expected this afternoon and evening.
  • Rainfall amounts between 0.5 and 1 inch forecast.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather alerts.

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What’s next

Residents should closely monitor the weather forecast and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop.

The takeaway

While the threat of severe weather is present, the storms are not expected to significantly disrupt Mardi Gras festivities in Lake Charles. However, residents should still remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any dangerous conditions that may arise.