The Storm Prediction Center has increased the probability of severe weather in Acadiana from marginal to slight. While that doesn't seem to be that big of a jump it is almost an assurance that many will experience strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, or even a tornado.

Officially the National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm this way:

A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, winds of at least 58 mph, and/or hail at least 1" in diameter. Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm.

Not everyone will experience severe weather late this evening or into Saturday but almost everyone in South Louisiana will get some gusty winds, heavy rain, and a lot of lightning.

Forecasters still project that the heaviest weather in the state will be from the Alexandria area northward toward Shreveport and Monroe. Those areas of the state are given an enhanced probability of severe weather late today into Saturday.

Most of the reliable forecast models have shifted the timing on the arrival of these storms and the frontal system responsible for them. It does appear now that the greatest threat for severe weather in Acadiana will now come between 6 AM and Noon on Saturday morning.

Behind the system, temperatures will fall quickly on gusty northerly breezes and skies should begin to clear. The high temperature on Saturday morning will likely occur early in the day before the frontal system moves through. By early Sunday morning, skies should have cleared and the temperatures will be in the lower 40-degree range.

 

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