Christmas Eve Bonfires Unaffected by Coming Storm

Nasty weather, including a chance of strong tornadoes and howling thunderstorms, is forecast on Christmas Day along the Gulf Coast from east Texas to north Florida. But officials say it will hold off long enough for Christmas Eve bonfires to light the way for Pere Noel along the Mississippi River northwest of New Orleans.

The National Weather Service says people should prepare their yards for high winds Monday, securing lawn furniture or anything that might be blown into a home or car.

After a conference call Monday with the weather service, St. John the Baptist and St. James parish officials decided it will be safe to start bonfires burning about 7 p.m. More than 100 top the levee along the river in St. James, with about 20 in St. John.