An embedded shortwave moved northeast through a broad upper-level trough while increasing midlevel winds aided thunderstorm organization across the central Gulf Coast. Ample atmospheric moisture in the local soundings and strong instability supported expanding afternoon convection with very efficient rainfall.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS LIX wrote it up.
An embedded shortwave moved northeast through a broad upper-level trough while increasing midlevel winds aided thunderstorm organization across the central Gulf Coast. Ample atmospheric moisture in the local soundings and strong instability supported expanding afternoon convection with very efficient rainfall. Stronger cells produced damaging winds and large hail from the northshore and southshore of Lake Pontchartrain.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS New Orleans, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 22, 12:31 PM CST, 1 hour 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service New Orleans LA 131 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 130 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 - Torrential rainfall possible with any stronger storms through this weekend. Rainfall rates of 2-5" per hour are possible and could easily overwhelm drainage systems. - High rain chances through the next several days. Areal 7 day rainfall totals will range from 4 to 7 inches && .SHORT TERM... (Now through Monday night) Issued at 130 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 Most of the country is under varying portions of upper level trough. A shortwave embedded within the broad scale trough is currently tracking northeast across the Lower Mississippi River Valley. The low level dynamics are certainly better farther north into central MS. However, 500mb winds aloft are forecast to increase this afternoon from that shortwave which aide into convective organization. Moisture rich airmass remains in place, each WFOLIX sounding measuring near record PW for this time if year. One surprise on this morning's flight was just how much CAPE we have throughout the column from much steeper mid level lapse rates than previously seen. Localized hourly rainfall rates of 2 to 5 inches per hour will be possible within the strongest cores this afternoon and evening. The overall movement of storms might be faster than yesterday based on mean flow model sounding data, but updshear/downshear vectors are quite close in direction and bring a higher probability of thunderstorm training. That combined with intense rainfall rates definitely would promote localized flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas. Going into the overnight period, meso and global models suggest a lull in convection, lasting well into Saturday morning. May be Saturday afternoon before convection develops. Numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of producing torrential rainfall and localized flooding impacts expected with nearly 100% coverage as another shortwave slides through the region. MEFFER && .LONG TERM... (Tuesday through Thursday night) Issued at 130 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 An unsettled and moisture airmass will persist through much of the extended forecast period as broad ridging remains suppressed to the south and east while upper level troughing generally remains in place each day. As seen recently, shortwave impulses will continue to enhance shower and thunderstorm development. Daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through the weekend and into early next week. Precipitable water values generally between 1.8 and 2.2 inches will continue to support efficient warm rain processes and locally heavy rainfall with any thunderstorms that develop. Rainfall coverage may fluctuate somewhat day to day depending on subtle mesoscale boundaries, convective overturning from prior day activity, and shortwaves passing through the base of the broad scale trough. Its the Sunday impulse that is forecast to bring Slight Risk of Flash Flooding Sunday as it moves across the CWA. High temperatures will remain near climatological normals but lows above normal due to increased cloud cover and precipitation coverage. Although widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, hence no Flash Flood Watch issued with this forecast period, isolated nuisance flooding and localized flash flooding issues will remain possible each day, especially in urban areas and locations that receive repeated rounds of convection. MEFFER && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 130 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 VFR to MVFR conditions will dominate the period at terminals. Outside of BR at KMCB and KHUM tonight, impacts to visibility mainly comes from periods of heavy rainfall. Attempted to time that based on current radar trends as well as meso models. Should be a break in convection overnight at most terminals, with new convective development late morning to early afternoon Saturday. && .MARINE... Issued at 130 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 A large area of high pressure will remain anchored over the western Atlantic throughout the forecast period. This will maintain light to moderate onshore flow through the time. Winds should generally right around 10 knots. Periods of near 15 knots possible, especially in open Gulf waters. As for showers and thunderstorms, daily isolated to scattered showers will be possible each day however the bulk of the coverage will remain inland. With any thunderstorms locally hazardous winds and waves can be expected. MEFFER && .LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... LA...None. GM...None. MS...None. GM...None. && SHORT TERM...ME LONG TERM....ME AVIATION...ME MARINE...ME
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
208 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0208 PM Flash Flood 1 SSE Gulfport 30.38N 89.06W
05/22/2026 Harrison MS Law Enforcement
Intersection of Hwy 90 and Hewes Ave flooded
according to Harrison SO.
&&
JZSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
209 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
LAZ080>082-221945-
Central Tangipahoa LA-Lower Tangipahoa LA-
Southwestern St. Tammany LA-
209 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
TANGIPAHOA PARISH THROUGH 245 PM CDT
...
At 209 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Robert, or 8 miles southeast of Hammond, moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Ponchatoula and Robert.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 12 between mile markers 41 and 53.
Interstate 55 in Louisiana between mile markers 17 and 22.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in New Orleans.
&&
LAT...LON 3060 9024 3037 9024 3031 9041 3049 9045
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 240DEG 14KT 3044 9035
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TJSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
226 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
LAZ039-057-058-071-076-077-079>087-092-094-098>100-MSZ077-083-222030-
Central Jefferson LA-Central Tangipahoa LA-Lower Tangipahoa LA-
Central St. Charles LA-Western Ascension LA-
Southwestern St. Tammany LA-St. James LA-Upper Lafourche LA-
Lower St. Charles LA-Eastern Ascension LA-Washington LA-
Southeast St. Tammany LA-Western Orleans LA-Northern Livingston LA-
Northern St. Tammany LA-Southern Livingston LA-
Northern Tangipahoa LA-Upper St. Charles LA-St. John The Baptist LA-
Upper Jefferson LA-Pearl River MS-Northern Hancock MS-
226 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL ORLEANS,
ST. TAMMANY, NORTHWESTERN JEFFERSON, NORTHWESTERN LAFOURCHE, ST. JOHN
THE BAPTIST, CENTRAL ASCENSION, ST. JAMES, ST. CHARLES, EASTERN
LIVINGSTON, SOUTHERN TANGIPAHOA AND SOUTHERN WASHINGTON PARISHES,
NORTHWESTERN HANCOCK AND PEARL RIVER COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM CDT
...
At 225 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lumberton to 7 miles
south of Springfield to near Schriever. Movement was east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
New Orleans, Kenner, Slidell, Hammond, Thibodaux, Bogalusa,
Mandeville, Picayune, Gonzales, Covington, Poplarville, Reserve,
Metairie, Hahnville, Laplace, Avondale, Jefferson, Harahan, Westwego,
and Ponchatoula.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 10 in Louisiana between mile markers 180 and 234.
Interstate 12 between mile markers 26 and 82.
Interstate 55 in Louisiana between mile markers 1 and 39.
Interstate 59 in Louisiana between mile markers 4 and 11.
Interstate 59 in Mississippi between mile markers 1 and 42.
Interstate 310 between mile markers 1 and 11.
Interstate 610 between mile markers 1 and 4.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in New Orleans.
&&
LAT...LON 3067 8934 3023 8989 3036 9019 3019 9039
3009 9037 3005 9013 3009 8993 2977 9034
2972 9078 2978 9083 2972 9088 2971 9100
2988 9089 2993 9089 2998 9096 3021 9092
3055 9066 3100 8968 3101 8935
TIME...MOT...LOC 1925Z 250DEG 24KT 3098 8954 3033 9051 2976 9090
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TJSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
227 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
MSZ085-088-222000-
Northern Jackson MS-Southern Jackson MS-
227 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF NORTHEASTERN JACKSON
COUNTY THROUGH 300 PM CDT
...
At 227 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Hurley to Big Point.
Movement was northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Escatawpa, Hurley, and Big Point.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in New Orleans.
&&
LAT...LON 3050 8856 3072 8851 3074 8849 3074 8842
3072 8841 3054 8840
TIME...MOT...LOC 1927Z 237DEG 18KT 3069 8846 3057 8848
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TJSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
254 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0241 PM Marine Tstm Wind 12 SSW Mandeville 30.20N 90.12W
05/22/2026 M49 MPH GMZ531 LA Mesonet
Mesonet station XPTN Pontchartrain Causeway
measured a peak gust of 49 mph or 43 knots.
&&
JZSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
256 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
LAZ079-081-222030-
Central Tangipahoa LA-Northern St. Tammany LA-
256 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN ST.
TAMMANY AND EAST CENTRAL TANGIPAHOA PARISHES THROUGH 330 PM CDT
...
At 256 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Robert, or 10 miles northwest of Covington, moving east at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Folsom.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in New Orleans.
&&
LAT...LON 3051 9034 3062 9033 3066 9008 3051 9009
3050 9024
TIME...MOT...LOC 1956Z 264DEG 9KT 3055 9027
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TJSThe Hammond radar (KHDC), 17 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:03 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Tree downed by thunderstorm winds across Highway 1077 at Harold Core Road.
Trees reported down on several streets in the Folsom and Goodbee area.
One inch sized hail reported in St. Rose.
Report of thunderstorm wind damage in the northern part of Folsom. Several downed trees in a park and several snapped trees in an adjacent field.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Louisiana in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Louisiana, May 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1343363, 1343364, 1343361, 1343359.