Severe storms, floods and tornadoes expected in the central Gulf Coast
Residents of southern parts of Louisiana and Mississippi must prepare for thunderstorms, which may bring significant tornadoes, hail and wind gusts, according to the Storm Prediction Center. The severe weather conditions will start forming above Texas on March 21 afternoon, and are expected to peak through March 22.
Communities in central Texas might be the first to encounter tornadoes. While those living in the vicinity of Sabine River Valley of east Texas and western Louisiana are at much higher risk when the storm intensifies.
As the cold atmospheric front keeps moving steadily in the eastern direction, it will carry damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail across the central Gulf Coast States in the direction of southern Alabama and Florida Panhandle. The potential threat is likely to diminish overnight into March 23.
The risk areas include the cities of Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg, Lafayette, Metairie, and New Orleans in the state of Louisiana; as well as the cities of Clinton, Hattiesburg, Jackson, and Pearl in the state of Mississippi.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for residents of the parishes of West Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, and Pointe Coupee in the state of Louisiana, who live in the vicinity of the Mississippi river.
The flooding in these areas is expected to be minor, but it is important to take extra care along the riverbanks and abstain from flooded roads while in vehicles. The flood warning is in force until the early morning of March 23.
The territory of the U.S. has the largest number of tornadoes per year. Climate change contributes to the frequency and unpredictability of tornado events linked to the warming of the ocean water surface and related increase of atmospheric moisture content. The latter can contribute to tornado activity, especially in cold seasons.
Storms and tornado safety guidance
You can obtain comprehensive data about your risks from storms and tornadoes from Augurisk in any location across the U.S.
Check if your property is at risk of storms and tornadoes, following these steps:
- Login or sign up to the Augurisk disaster risk assessment platform
- Press Add New Project
- Fill in your address
- Generate a Risk Audit
- Select Storm Events among the environmental risks
- Receive a detailed storm risk assessment of your location, including the risk of tornado according to the Fujita scale.
Screenshot from the Augurisk Storm Events risk assessment for New Orleans, Louisiana
Interpretation: according to historical data, 24 tornadoes have already crossed this county. 7 of them were especially powerful - F2 tornadoes on the Fujita Scale.
7. Study the map of historical tornado tracks in your area.
Interpretation: according to the Augurisk Storm Events risk assessment, the storm events hazard score at New Orleans, Louisiana is high. Our data shows that properties in this area are at severe risk of storms, and moderate risks of tornadoes.
8. Select Flood among the environmental risks. Check the Augurisk Flood Hazard Index for your location.
9. Review the Augurisk flood map for your location. If you are in a high risk zone, prepare for severe flooding.
10. Based on the obtained data for your location, update your severe weather safety procedures, prepare your supplies. If you are at high risk, prepare a safe shelter.
11. Follow the NOAA Weather Radio, Weather.gov, or other media for watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued in your area, move to a safe shelter, for example a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of your building.
12. Have some questions? Contact Augurisk