Main rain chance through Carnival is early Sunday

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A cold front is expected to move through the New Orleans area late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, bringing a chance of strong storms. While the severe threat appears limited, the setup favors the potential for gusty straight-line winds and an isolated tornado. The storms are expected to move out by mid to late Sunday morning, with blustery northwest winds following behind the front.

Why it matters

With Mardi Gras events happening across the New Orleans area, the timing of this weather system is critical. Organizers and attendees will need to closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to adjust plans if necessary to ensure public safety.

The details

The cold front is expected to arrive around 9 or 10 p.m. Saturday and move out by mid to late Sunday morning. While instability appears somewhat limited, the setup favors the potential for gusty straight-line winds as the main threat, with an isolated embedded tornado also possible. Behind the front, winds will turn strong out of the northwest on Sunday, with gusts up to 30 mph possible before calming later in the afternoon.

• The cold front is expected to arrive around 9 or 10 p.m. Saturday.
• The storms are expected to move out by mid to late Sunday morning.

What’s next

Organizers and attendees of Mardi Gras events will need to closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to adjust plans if necessary to ensure public safety.