severe weather

Dozens of metrics are used to determine drought and that can make it complicated to measure and track. But it’s a bit easier now thanks to the new government dashboard, which tracks drought across the Mississippi River Basin.

A tropical disturbance in the Gulf is forecast to bring heavy rain to Louisiana and Mississippi through the weekend.

Some parishes have opened sandbag sites in preparation for the heavy rain.

New Orleans is preparing for heavy rainfall this week as a tropical disturbance moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward the Louisiana coast.

Multiple St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in South Louisiana have been postponed due to the threat of strong winds and possible tornadoes this weekend.

Much of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi remain under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. with severe weather in the forecast Wednesday.

“ Anytime we get an Arctic air blast down this far south, this is an artifact of the polar vortex rearing its ugly head,” said climatologist Barry Keim .

The arctic weather set new records for snowfall amounts and low temperatures this week. State Climatologist Jay Grymes said it’s the most snowfall and lowest temperatures Louisiana has experienced in the last century.

Sun and warmer temperatures are helping crews in New Orleans as they continue to clear roads following this week’s winter storm.

Lafayette lost water pressure due to residents dripping faucets; boil advisory to last for days.