Here’s an hour-by-hour look at the strong storms before the dangerous cold arrives

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A powerful winter storm to our north is bringing strong storms to the area this weekend, followed by life-threatening arctic cold on Sunday.

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Tonight: Heavy Rain and Flood Risk

Scattered storms are moving through Saturday night with heavy downpours and an isolated flood threat. If you’re heading to Chewbacchus, expect heavy rain in the hours before the parade starts, between 4-7 p.m.

Storms will move out around 7 p.m., giving New Orleans drier conditions just as the parade kicks off. But the north shore won’t catch a break until closer to midnight.

Sunday Morning: The Dangerous Storms Arrive

A brief break in the rain tonight won’t last long. Sunday morning brings a second round of storms — and these could turn severe.

Expect storms between 6 am and 2 pm Sunday. Gusty winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially in the early morning hours. The threat decreases by late morning as colder air moves in.

The Arctic Cold

Temperatures will plunge from the 60s Sunday morning to the 30s and 40s by afternoon. Rain will clear out before the deep freeze arrives.

An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 6 pm Sunday through 12 pm Tuesday. Strong northerly winds gusting to 30 mph will make it feel even colder all Sunday and Monday.

Expect lows in the 20s Monday morning with wind chills in the single digits and teens. Monday highs will only reach the upper 30s. Tuesday morning brings another deep plunge into the teens and 20s.

Protect Your Pipes Now

Widespread pipe-freezing cold will impact everyone. Take action now:

• Wrap exposed pipes
• Prepare to drip faucets Sunday and Monday nights
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to let warm air reach pipes
• Keep these precautions in place Tuesday night on the north shore

Looking Ahead

We stay cold all week. Highs will try to rebound to the 50s Wednesday and Thursday before another cold plunge hits next weekend.

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