Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Threat Close Schools and Government Offices in Gulf Coast States

On Wednesday, a series of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes led to the closure of schools and government offices in several Gulf Coast states. The National Weather Service warned of the possibility of tornadoes, some of which could be strong, as well as damaging winds exceeding 75 mph (120 kph). These severe conditions were expected to impact parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle.

Warnings and Precautions

Meteorologist Ashton Robinson Cook from the NWS Weather Prediction Center cautioned that heavy rain, tornadoes, hail, and damaging wind gusts were all possible across the Gulf Coast and the Deep South on Wednesday. Louisiana's state office buildings were closed during rush hour, and drivers were advised to limit travel due to expected high winds, particularly affecting large trucks. Louisiana State University also announced the closure of its campus in response to the developing severe weather situation, while residence halls remained open.

Power Outages and Storm Development

As the severe weather approached, over 100,000 customers in Louisiana were already without power at the start of Wednesday morning, with an additional 30,000 customers affected in Mississippi. The storm system, which originated across the southern Rockies and combined with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, produced a series of thunderstorms stretching from Texas' south plains to the panhandle, and eastward across Louisiana and Mississippi. Notably, central Texas experienced hail on Tuesday, and there were radar estimates of up to a foot of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with heavier totals northwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana.