Lake Charles, Louisiana – Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish residents should remain vigilant on Mardi Gras morning and early afternoon as potentially severe weather approaches.
The U.S. National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles has issued a High Wind Watch for Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 5, 2025, as winds are expected to pick up significantly in the region. This warning indicates that sustained winds may reach 35 miles per hour for at least one hour, along with possible gusts soaring to 45 miles per hour or higher. Thunderstorms are also forecasted in the area on Tuesday, but these winds are forecast to occur outside of any thunderstorms.
The High Wind Watch is particularly relevant for Southwest and Central Louisiana, where wind speeds are projected to be between 20 and 30 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching up to 45 miles per hour. In Southeast Texas, a Wind Advisory has been issued, forecasting wind speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts up to 35 miles per hour.
Residents should be aware of the potential impacts associated with these conditions, including flying and falling Mardi Gras decorations, power outages, challenging travel situations, and possible tree damage. The risk of severe weather does not stop at high winds; forecasters have also identified an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, with a significant likelihood of damaging winds exceeding 58 miles per hour, hail measuring one inch in diameter or larger, and a medium risk of tornado formation.
The severe weather is predicted to occur primarily in the morning and afternoon hours, with the highest risk window from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The probability of encountering severe weather conditions is notably elevated, estimated to be 15 to 45 times greater than on a typical day without severe weather risks, with chances reaching up to 44% within 25 miles of Lake Charles.
Residents are advised to stay alert and to have multiple methods for receiving weather updates, including television, radio, weather applications, and NOAA weather radios. Preparation is key, as individuals should be ready for the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.
As for rainfall, Monday, March 4, 2025, presents low chances of rain, ranging from 5 to 20%. However, on Tuesday, the forecast predicts a dramatic increase, with rain chances soaring to between 70 and 100% from 6 AM to 6 PM. The most significant threat lies in the potential for severe thunderstorms during this timeframe.
In summary, Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish residents should remain vigilant on Mardi Gras morning and early afternoon as potentially severe weather approaches. With high winds and thunderstorms on the horizon, taking precautions now can help ensure safety when conditions become hazardous.
