LOUISIANA WEATHER - March 1, 2010

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA: Today will see a 100 percent chance of precipitation and possibly a thunderstorm while tonight will see a 40 percent chance of scattered rain and thunderstorms before midnight, then only a slight chance of rain. Winds will be out of the north between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tuesday through Saturday will be partly to mostly sunny each day and partly to mostly clear each night.
Temperatures: Monday: 52/38, Tuesday: 54/36, Wednesday: 62/35, Thursday: 61/40, Friday: 62/43, Saturday: 69/49, Sunday: 71/44
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: Widespread rain and a few thunderstorms will occur today as low pressure moves across the northwest Gulf. Rainfall amounts of one to two inches are expected, but flooding is not anticipated as the system will quickly move east. No severe weather is expected. Strong southeast winds will develop this morning over the coastal waters ahead of the low, becoming northwest behind the low late this afternoon and evening. The northwest winds will rapidly strengthen to 20 to 30 knots, with seas building to 6 to 9 feet beyond 20 NM. In addition, tide levels along coastal waterways are expected to lower to between one and one and a half feet below predicted tide levels due to the strong offshore flow.

The Atchafalaya River at Morgan City is currently at 5.62 feet (minor flood stage). The river will rise to 5.7 feet by this afternoon and then begin a slow fall. Flood stage is 4 to 7 feet. At 5 to 6 feet, floodwall gates will be closed to protect against higher stages. Vessel traffic will be affected by stronger river current and vessel traffic safety rules will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.

SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA: Today will be breezy with a 100 percent chance of precipitation with thunderstorms after 3PM. Rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Tonight will be breezy with a north wind around 25 mph with a 90 percent chance of precipitation before midnight. Tuesday through Tuesday evening will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a 20 percent chance of showers before 9am. Winds will be out of the north around 25 mph. Wednesday through Sunday will be mostly sunny and clear each day.
Temperatures: Monday: 58/40, Tuesday: 51/37, Wednesday: 55/40, Thursday: 60/41, Friday: 61/46, Saturday: 63/52, Sunday: 67/44
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: An area of low pressure in the northwest Gulf of Mexico will strengthen and move east along the Louisiana coast late this afternoon and evening. A small craft advisory is in effect for increasing winds and building seas through this evening. A Gale Warning is now in effect across the coastal waters after midnight tonight for winds exceeding 34 knots. A small craft advisory will remain in effect across the tidal lakes overnight tonight and winds may gust above 34 knots at times after midnight, especially over the south half of the lake. It will also be windy on land near the south shore of Lake Ponchartrain and across exposed marshland areas near the coast. Winds may increase to 25 to 30mph with gusts 35 to 40 mph after midnight. Conditions will be very hazardous for small craft over all inland and offshore waterways through Tuesday night. Widespread rainfall may become heavy at times this afternoon and evening. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible, mainly near the coast. Organized severe storms are not anticipated inland away from the coastal marsh plains. Near the coast and over the coastal waters, some strong wind gusts are possible from storms through tonight.

CENTRAL LOUISIANA: Today will be cloudy with a 100 percent chance of precipitation while tonight will see an 80 percent chance mainly before midnight. Tuesday through Tuesday night will be mostly cloudy and Wednesday through Saturday will be mostly sunny and clear each day. Saturday night and Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers.
Temperatures: Monday: 49/38, Tuesday: 50/34, Wednesday: 59/32, Thursday: 58/35, Friday: 58/40, Saturday: 65/45, Sunday: 68/44
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: Widespread rain and a few thunderstorms will occur today as low pressure moves across the northwest Gulf. Rainfall amounts of one to two inches are expected, but flooding is not anticipated as the system will quickly move east. No severe weather is expected.

NORTHERN LOUISIANA: Today will be cloudy with a 100 percent chance of showers and tonight will be mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers mainly before midnight. Winds will be out of the north between 10 and 15mph with gusts as high as 25mph. Tuesday through Sunday will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny and clear each day.
Temperatures: Monday: 46/37, Tuesday: 51/32, Wednesday: 60/34, Thursday: 62/34, Friday: 62/41, Saturday: 65/46, Sunday: 67/44
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: An upper level storm system across central Texas at midday will move eastward this afternoon and evening. Showers will accompany this storm system and widespread rainfall is expected. There will be the possibility of a few thunderstorms across the lakes area of deep east Texas into west central and east central Louisiana. However, instability is weak and no severe thunderstorms are expected through tonight.

Bodcau Bayou at Bayou Bodcau Lake is currently at 179.99 feet (minor flood stage). Minor flood stage is between 172 and 192 feet. The bayou is expected to slowly recede over the next few days. Between 170 to192 feet, expect minor lowland flooding along the lake. Red Chute Bayou below the lake may be at bank full. Some secondary roadways may suffer flooding.