Jan 24 Severe Weather Updates

New Orleans remains under an Enhanced risk for severe weather this evening into tomorrow morning. All modes of severe weather are possible including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. A High Wind Warning is in effect for winds 30-40 mph with gusts in excess of 50 mph from NOW through 6 AM tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

[5:30 PM UPDATE] A tornado watch is in effect until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

The time for peak impacts is forecasted between roughly 9PM and 1AM tonight. Due to the anticipated inclement weather, New Orleans has activated the Emergency Operations Center to a Level III, with an overnight Crisis Action Team. At this time, neutral ground parking is NOT in effect; damaging straight-line winds and potential for isolated tornadoes are our greatest concerns tonight.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is monitoring the forecast and local radar into this evening. Services will continue to operate on a normal schedule until further notice. Many schools and universities have cancelled afternoon outdoor and after-hours activities or pushed evening classes to a virtual format.

Residents should prepare homes and neighborhoods for wind and rain by securing outdoor furniture, decorations and garbage cans. As this event is largely overnight, residents are encouraged to charge their phones, locate a flashlight, and identify a safe sheltering location before going to bed tonight. Stay indoors and away from windows during severe weather events. In the event of a tornado, shelter in an interior room on the ground floor. 

NOHSEP and NWS will continue to monitor through this event. For more information and preparedness tips, visit ready.nola.gov or text NOLAREADY to 77295 for local emergency text alerts. Please amplify the messages we are pushing out on alerts and social media.