Broken Line of Storms Inching Closer, Tornado Watch Remains in Effect

Breaking Storm Warning: Tornado Watch in Effect Until 6 A.M. Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for a wide swath of the Louisiana Capital Area, including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, East Feliciana, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, St.

Mary, and West Feliciana Parishes, as well as Amite and Wilkinson Counties until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

The Storm Station’s Meteorologist Malcolm Byron warned that conditions remain favorable for tornadoes and/or damaging winds in the watch area, urging residents to be vigilant about threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Should a tornado warning be issued, people are advised to seek shelter in low-level interior rooms of sturdy buildings.

Predicted Storm Path and Rainfall

The main line of thunderstorms is currently west of Baton Rouge but is inching closer, expected to move through the Capital Area between 2-5 a.m. on Sunday. Although some scattered showers have been moving through the region, the strongest storms are anticipated along the southern flank of this storm front.

Several severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued in southwest Louisiana over the past few hours, with damage possibly caused by a tornado reported in Sulphur, LA. Meteorologist Byron noted that while conditions could change, it’s not time to get too comfortable yet, as storms are still on track to move through the area.

The forecast anticipates up to 1-3 inches of rain, which should be beneficial for most locations but could fall too fast in certain areas. Residents are encouraged to have a way to receive weather alerts before going to bed, given that Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings could be issued in their neighborhoods.

Extended Weather Outlook: Cooler and Drier Conditions Ahead

Following the overnight storms, rain is expected to move out quickly after sunrise on Sunday. Only a few isolated thunderstorms are anticipated during the afternoon, with skies showing some signs of clearing as temperatures approach 80°F.

The weather outlook for early next week is promising, with rain becoming more difficult to find. Humidity will decrease, and highs near 80°F coupled with lows hovering around 60°F are expected on most days.

A strong cold front moving through on Tuesday night may bring a slight chance of overnight showers but will likely result in a significant drop in temperatures.

By the end of the week, daytime highs could dip into the 60s, and lows might reach the low to mid-40s. Halloween is expected to be cooler than usual, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 60s during trick-or-treating.

Storm in the Tropics: Hurricane Melissa Intensifies

In the Atlantic basin, Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a major hurricane on Saturday evening while drifting westward just south of Jamaica. The National Weather Service predicts further intensification, with Melissa potentially becoming a Category 5 storm by Monday.

The forecast tracks indicate that after impacting Jamaica, the hurricane is likely to move toward eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A multi-day period of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge is expected, leading to catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides in affected areas.

Residents in the Caribbean are advised to stay informed about Melissa’s track and potential landfall. The Storm Station will continue to provide updates and real-time weather coverage to keep the public informed of these developing conditions.