Thunderstorms are expected in southeast Louisiana Monday afternoon, bringing damaging wind gusts and potentially flooding rain.
There is a slight risk of severe weather, the second threat level out of 5, north of Interstate 12. New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Slidell are in an area of marginal risk for severe weather, which is the first threat level.
The biggest threat from the thunderstorms will be damaging winds. National Weather Service meteorologists said it's likely there will be 30-45 mph winds. Above and around the I-12 corridor, there's a 15% chance of gusts of greater than 60 mph, with a 5-10% chance for severe winds in New Orleans.
The thunderstorms may be short-lived and only affect small areas, but the most dangerous time will be when the storms break up.
"Conditions are favorable for what we call wet microbursts," said NWS meteorologist Christopher Bannan. "With severe storms that are short-lived, when they collapse they bring down really strong wind that can lead to damage."
- In Baton Rouge, the greatest risk for severe weather starts as soon as 1 p.m., with a 53% chance of rain.
- In Slidell, severe weather won't start until later in the afternoon -- around 3 p.m., with a 36% chance of rain.
- If the severe weather makes it to New Orleans, it won't start until after 4 p.m., with a 37% chance of rain.
While expected to be short-lived, the thunderstorms can drop lots of rain, which can be a problem for areas with poor drainage, resulting in some potential localized flooding.
There's also a 5-10% chance of pea-sized hail across southeast Louisiana. NWS meteorologists said that the hail won't be much of a worry because of how hot it will be Monday.
New Orleans and Baton Rouge are expected to see a high of 95. Slidell is forecast to have a high of 93.
Forecasters advise residents to stay weather aware by listening to trusted sources for weather updates and any watches or warnings that may be issued.