Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Residents across Louisiana face a dangerous stretch of weather Wednesday afternoon as severe thunderstorms capable of 60 mph wind gusts and isolated tornadoes sweep across the state, with the first impacts already unfolding in northwestern parishes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center and NWS New Orleans, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for much of western Louisiana until 6 p.m. Wednesday as storms organize along a fast-moving system pushing east across the region. Meteorologists say a few tornadoes are possible, with some potentially reaching EF-1 to EF-2 intensity, while scattered storms may also produce quarter-size hail and localized flash flooding.
The system is expected to move across the state in waves. Northwest Louisiana, including Shreveport and Natchitoches, faces the first round through about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Storms are then expected to intensify across central Louisiana, including Alexandria, between roughly 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. Thursday.
By the overnight hours, the strongest storms could reach Baton Rouge, Hammond, and parts of the Florida Parishes between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday, bringing the highest risk of damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph.
Louisiana State Police urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor weather alerts, and never drive across flooded roadways. Drivers should also check road conditions through the 511 Louisiana traveler system as storms move through the state.
Severe weather threats could persist into the early morning hours Thursday before the system begins pushing east, though additional warnings may be issued as storms redevelop overnight.
