The severe weather threat has moved through the New Orleans area this morning. The National Weather Service has cancelled the tornado watch for Orleans Parish, although surrounding parishes remain in the watch area. Rain will continue for the next few hours, which could cause localized street flooding. Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware on their morning commute. 

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch that includes all of Orleans Parish effective until 7 a.m. Thursday. That means that conditions for tornadoes are possible. Stay alert to weather conditions and if a tornado warning is issued, go to an interior room on the lowest level. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Due to the potential for severe weather Thursday morning, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has ordered that City Hall and City government offices open later than usual at 10 a.m. The delayed opening will affect all NORDC and New Orleans Public Library employees as well. The City of New Orleans urges employees and all residents to stay indoors and off roadways during hazardous weather.

The Orleans Parish School Board has advised all New Orleans schools to delay start time on Thursday no earlier than 11 a.m. Each individual school is responsible for setting and communicating the start time. 

The National Weather Service anticipates a line of strong to severe thunderstorms will move through the Southeast Louisiana area overnight and into tomorrow morning, Thursday, Nov. 1st. Potential threats include damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Additionally, these storms could bring heavy rain, with two to four inches likely and locally higher amounts possible.