severe weather

A combination of strong winds and heavy rain could produce severe weather conditions, including tornadoes, in much of southeast Louisiana on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Extreme weather events have cost the nation nearly $2.5 trillion since 1980, with Louisiana on top as the most impacted state by billion-dollar natural disasters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

People have lived along the river for millennia, the benefits competing with the risks. Modern levee systems built in response to past disasters like the Floods of 1927 or 1993 aren't designed for the newest risk: increased rainfall caused by climate change.

WWNO and WRKF are here for you during hurricane season, and we want to know what information you need as we anticipate severe weather.

Widespread showers are expected through Thursday morning in Baton Rouge and parts of metro New Orleans.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has issued a state emergency declaration in response to the two tornadoes that ripped through St. Bernard Parish and other parts of metro New Orleans on Tuesday night.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell said tornado damage was mostly minimal in Orleans Parish, except for a few structures in New Orleans East

South Louisiana is preparing for severe weather into the evening today, and New Orleans is no exception.

In response to the severe weather threat Tuesday, Louisiana officials are opening shelters across the southeast for residents who live in homes that cannot withstand possible tornadoes, hail or other possible weather threats.