POSSIBLE STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT

We just wanted to give you a heads up and the possibility of strong to severe storms this afternoon and this evening. A slight risk has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for portions of southeast and east-central LA and southern and coastal MS. Moderate northerly flow in the mid levels and a weak approaching boundary will lead to showers and thunderstorms developing later today. Abundant instability is already in place and this combination typically spells strong to severe storms moving to the south providing decent wind gusts and damage. The area of greatest concern will be along and north of the I-10 corridor, this includes the Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro's along with all of the MS coast. That said strong to isolated severe storms will be possible across the rest of the area. Main concerns from any of these storms will be strong to damaging straightline winds possibly in excess of 60mph, frequent to continuous lightning, and brief heavy downpours. Look for thunderstorm initiation to be a little later this afternoon possibly as late as 4pm near the MS/LA border and along or just north of the MS coast. This activity should push south through the remainder of the afternoon and well into the evening possibly reaching the SE LA coast by 9-10pm. Activity is expected to weaken some as it moves into the Gulf. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to give us a call at 985-649-0429 ext4. Please be sure to check our web page for updates through the afternoon, Thank you and have a nice day, Christopher Bannan National Weather Service Slidell, LA