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NEW ORLEANS — On Tuesday, severe weather threatened communities across the U.S., ranging from fire risks in the Southern High Plains to blizzards in the Midwest.
The predictions also included dust storms in the Southwest, tornadoes in the South, and blizzard conditions in the Central Plains, which led to adjustments for Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. City officials moved up the schedule and shortened the two largest parades. Police were also expected to expedite the parade routes before the expected increase in winds, according to authorities.
Despite the weather, Shalaska Jones and her 2-year-old daughter were enjoying the Mardi Gras floats on Tuesday, hoping to catch a coveted coconut.
“We was coming out rain, sleet or snow,” Jones stated.
The severe weather forecast presented an early challenge for the National Weather Service following recent staff reductions implemented as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the size of the federal government. Former employees have expressed concerns that the dismissal of meteorologists who provide essential local forecasts could endanger lives.
Country faces a number of weather threats
On Monday, dust storms reduced visibility to near-zero in parts of New Mexico and West Texas, leading the National Weather Service to issue Dust Storm Warnings. The weather service office for Midland and Odessa, Texas, anticipated “widespread blowing dust” on Tuesday.
The week’s significant weather system is expected to bring “a threat of blizzard conditions, high winds, flash flooding, severe weather, dust storms, and critical to extreme fire weather conditions to the nation’s heartland,” according to a National Weather Service update on Monday.
The Central Plains and Midwest were preparing for blizzard conditions anticipated later on Tuesday. Forecasters warned these conditions could “make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.” The Nebraska Department of Transportation cautioned that low visibility and whiteout conditions were possible across the state, advising travelers to adjust their plans for Tuesday afternoon and evening.
On Tuesday, the federal Storm Prediction Center warned that tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail were possible as a strong storm system moved across the nation’s midsection into Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Tornado watches and warnings were issued Tuesday morning in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
The area with the highest risk of severe weather stretched from East Texas to Alabama, encompassing more than 7 million people. Cities at risk included Baton Rouge and Shreveport in Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama.
Region braces for severe weather during Mardi Gras
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick instructed parade attendees to refrain from bringing umbrellas, tents, or “anything that could fly in the wind and cause mayhem.”
Just outside New Orleans in Jefferson Parish, officials canceled scheduled Mardi Gras Day parades due to the anticipated high winds and thunderstorms.
“This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community, and we must always prioritize safety above all else,” stated Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
The National Weather Service warned that Mardi Gras floats “could become unstable” and heavy winds could “blow down trees and power lines,” adding that gusts of up to 60 mph (97 kph) were expected Tuesday afternoon.
In Pointe Coupee Parish, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the approaching weather prompted significant alterations to one of the state’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrations. The parade was scheduled to proceed without any bands, marching teams, or dance groups, which are typically essential components of Carnival Season parades.
Officials also moved up the start time and urged residents to promptly remove all tents and trash afterward “due to the dangers they can present during weather.”
Other cities with Mardi Gras parades watching forecasts
Elsewhere, large crowds were expected for Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama, on Tuesday. Police reported that they were monitoring the forecast and would announce any changes to the celebrations.
Other cities hosting large events included Biloxi, Mississippi, where an annual parade was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
In downtown Pensacola, Florida, organizers were planning a Big Easy-style festival with food trucks, dancing, live entertainment, and a low country seafood boil.
Martin reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Freida Frisaro in Miami and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed.
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