What forecasters said that day
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 Apr 25, 4:34 AM CST, 52 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Updated at 446 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
- Well above average high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s will occur next week. Heat index values will climb into the upper 90s.
- The threat for thunderstorms, some possible strong to severe will continue through the weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 25, 4:34 AM CST, 52 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
534 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...New AVIATION...
.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 446 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
- Well above average high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower
90s will occur next week. Heat index values will climb into the
upper 90s.
- The threat for thunderstorms, some possible strong to severe
will continue through the weekend.
&&
.SHORT TERM...
(Now through Tuesday) Issued at 1031 PM CDT Fri Apr 24 2026
The first of several rounds of sh/ts is upon us this morning.
Another line is moving in from the Shreveport area this morning
as well. Any of these storms could produce strong winds and hail
with an isolated tornado possible as well. Today will be an off an
on event for sh/ts, basically there will likely be sh/ts forming
or decaying at all hours of the day today. We should see the next
complex of storms develop over the Oklahoma to Texarkana region
and race SE tonight into Sun morning reaching our area around mid
morning Sun. By Monday, the weakness(ThetaE) boundary will have
moved farther north while the front out west begins to slowly move
this way. This makes Monday dry in comparison to the weekend. As
the front gets closer, it will be responsible for the next set of
sh/ts that develop starting Tue. We can unravel Tue as we get
closer to it.
&&
.LONG TERM...
(Tuesday Night through Friday night)
Issued at 1031 PM CDT Fri Apr 24 2026
Overall, going into the midweek next week the upper level flow
remains progressive and the low level flow remains southerly onshore
as high pressure remains over the eastern Gulf with upper level
ridging taking shape over the western Gulf. Because of the higher
heights and thicknesses the well above average temperatures (even
close to records for a few) will continue into the long term period.
That said, going into Wednesday and especially Wednesday night and
Thursday there looks to be a modest pattern flip. A more northwest
flow develops, which will bring the surface front southward toward
our region leading to increased POPs going into late next week.
Behind the front there looks to be some decrease in temperatures to
more average ranges, especially as a broader upper trough becomes
established over much of the central and eastern states. (Frye)
&&
.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 446 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
Storms that move over terminals this morning will likely produce
IFR or lower conditions with cigs and vis. Some of these, although
isolated, could have strong winds and hail. Disturbed weather all
day today will have sh/ts around at any given time. Outside this
activity conditions will be VFR.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 1031 PM CDT Fri Apr 24 2026
A very early Summer like weather set up will keep a persistent south-
southeast flow of 10 to 15 knots in place through the middle of next
week. Seas will remain well below any hazardous limits at 1 to 3
feet through the period. The greatest concern and unknown is any
shower or thunderstorm impacts. A series of disturbances will try to
produce an area of storms over the Red River area and these may move
towards the coastal waters before they dissipate. If they develop,
these specific type of systems normally do not play well with the
models and they usually surge southeast faster and stronger than
expected. If they do, expect locally higher winds and seas around
these storms. Afterwards, winds may become light and variable for 3-
6 hours before the synoptic south-southeast winds take back over.
&&
.LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...None.
GM...None.
MS...None.
GM...None.
&&
SHORT TERM...TE
LONG TERM....TE
AVIATION...RDF
MARINE...TE
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Apr 25, 2:37 AM CST, 2 hours 49 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
337 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
LAZ034>037-MSZ068-069-250930-
St. Helena LA-East Feliciana LA-Pointe Coupee LA-West Feliciana LA-
Wilkinson MS-Amite MS-
337 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF WEST FELICIANA,
NORTHERN ST. HELENA, POINTE COUPEE AND EAST FELICIANA PARISHES,
WILKINSON AND AMITE COUNTIES THROUGH 430 AM CDT
...
At 337 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Garden
City to near Lettsworth to near Bunkie to near Turkey Creek. Movement
was southeast at 55 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...
Zachary, New Roads, Jackson, St. Francisville, Clinton, Liberty,
Greensburg, Centreville, Woodville, Slaughter, Gloster, Fordoche,
Morganza, Wilson, Norwood, Smithdale, Wakefield, Spillman, Batchelor,
and Darlington.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3087 9180 3097 9181 3101 9176 3104 9166
3097 9166 3104 9156 3110 9159 3132 9116
3135 9098 3135 9055 3084 9057 3071 9107
3070 9126 3064 9132 3059 9151 3061 9176
3071 9173 3086 9182
TIME...MOT...LOC 0837Z 297DEG 47KT 3126 9119 3100 9168 3091 9219 3089
9251
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CABSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 4:06 AM CST, 1 hour 20 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
506 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
LAZ037-039-071-079-081-082-251045-
Washington LA-Central Tangipahoa LA-Lower Tangipahoa LA-
Northern St. Tammany LA-St. Helena LA-Northern Tangipahoa LA-
506 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN ST.
HELENA, NORTHWESTERN ST. TAMMANY, CENTRAL TANGIPAHOA AND SOUTHWESTERN
WASHINGTON PARISHES THROUGH 545 AM CDT
...
At 506 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Amite, moving southeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hammond, Amite, Ponchatoula, Amite City, Independence, Roseland,
Folsom, Natalbany, Robert, Wilmer, and Tickfaw.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 12 between mile markers 35 and 53.
Interstate 55 in Louisiana between mile markers 28 and 49.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3065 9000 3050 9013 3048 9024 3044 9055
3047 9055 3049 9057 3065 9057 3065 9058
3074 9059 3084 9034
TIME...MOT...LOC 1006Z 311DEG 42KT 3072 9041
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CABSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 4:35 AM CST, 51 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
535 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
LAZ079>082-251115-
Central Tangipahoa LA-Lower Tangipahoa LA-Northern St. Tammany LA-
Southwestern St. Tammany LA-
535 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN ST.
TAMMANY AND SOUTHERN TANGIPAHOA PARISHES THROUGH 615 AM CDT
...
At 535 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Folsom, or 7 miles northwest of Covington, moving southeast at 35
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...
Hammond, Covington, Ponchatoula, Abita Springs, Madisonville, Sun,
Robert, Bush, Natalbany, and W Lk Pontchartrain Buoy.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 12 between mile markers 35 and 69.
Interstate 55 in Louisiana between mile markers 15 and 33.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3063 8982 3062 8983 3056 8981 3048 8972
3034 9015 3036 9019 3027 9030 3028 9032
3030 9031 3029 9040 3027 9041 3051 9057
3067 9001 3067 8985
TIME...MOT...LOC 1035Z 315DEG 31KT 3055 9020
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CABSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 5:09 AM CST, 17 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
609 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
LAZ058-087-098>100-251215-
Central St. Charles LA-Upper St. Charles LA-St. John The Baptist LA-
Upper Jefferson LA-Lower St. Charles LA-
609 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ST. JOHN THE
BAPTIST AND NORTHERN ST. CHARLES PARISHES THROUGH 715 AM CDT
...
At 609 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Reserve, moving southeast at 35 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...
Reserve, Hahnville, Laplace, Killona, Norco, Montz, Edgard, Ama,
Destrehan, Taft, New Sarpy, St. Rose, Garyville, and Wallace.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 10 in Louisiana between mile markers 201 and 221.
Interstate 55 in Louisiana between mile markers 1 and 4.
Interstate 310 between mile markers 1 and 6.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm 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.
&&
LAT...LON 2994 9033 2997 9055 3002 9064 3018 9056
3013 9038 3009 9037 3006 9025 3005 9028
2991 9027 2991 9031
TIME...MOT...LOC 1109Z 300DEG 31KT 3007 9052
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CABSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 5:11 AM CST, 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
611 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
LAZ076-079-080-MSZ083-086-251145-
Southeast St. Tammany LA-Northern St. Tammany LA-
Southwestern St. Tammany LA-Northern Hancock MS-Southern Hancock MS-
611 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN ST. TAMMANY
PARISH IN SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND HANCOCK COUNTIES THROUGH 645 AM
CDT
...
At 610 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lacombe, or near Slidell, moving southeast at 45 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...
Slidell, Bay St. Louis, Covington, Waveland, Diamondhead, Pearl
River, Kiln, Pearlington, Lacombe, Shoreline Park, Stennis Space
Center, and Slidell Airport.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 10 in Louisiana between mile markers 259 and 273.
Interstate 10 in Mississippi between mile markers 1 and 18.
Interstate 12 between mile markers 60 and 84.
Interstate 59 in Louisiana between mile markers 1 and 11.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3024 8940 3017 8943 3016 8952 3013 8958
3013 8964 3015 8963 3017 8968 3016 8975
3023 8988 3024 9000 3030 9003 3035 9013
3045 9014 3048 8972 3046 8965 3049 8964
3051 8934 3028 8933
TIME...MOT...LOC 1110Z 317DEG 39KT 3029 8989
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CABSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 5:17 AM CST, 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
617 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
MSZ084-087-251200-
Southern Harrison MS-Northern Harrison MS-
617 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF HARRISON COUNTY
THROUGH 700 AM CDT
...
At 616 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lyman, or 7 miles northwest of Gulfport, moving southeast at 40 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...
Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Long Beach, St. Martin, D'iberville,
Lyman, Saucier, Latimer, and Gulfport Airport.
This includes the following Interstates...
Interstate 10 in Mississippi between mile markers 19 and 47.
Interstate 110 in Mississippi between mile markers 1 and 4.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3038 8883 3037 8886 3036 8901 3028 8929
3031 8931 3034 8931 3035 8934 3052 8934
3068 8898 3068 8889 3043 8888 3042 8885
3039 8883
TIME...MOT...LOC 1116Z 325DEG 33KT 3050 8916
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CAB