“Triple-Threat Storm Disrupts Mardi Gras Festivities Across Central and Southern US”

A severe storm is set to hit more than 55 million people in the central and southern United States on Tuesday. This dangerous weather could bring blizzards, tornadoes, and fire risks.

This storm strikes as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faces major staffing cuts. Around 800 personnel were laid off recently, and experts warn that reduced staffing may endanger public safety during extreme weather events.

The storm coincides with Mardi Gras celebrations in cities like New Orleans. In response to the bad weather, officials are rescheduling events and shortening parade routes. A high wind warning is in effect for New Orleans from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts that could exceed 50 mph.

A tornado watch is active for parts of Texas and Oklahoma until 5 a.m. Tuesday, affecting nearly 3 million people. Winds could reach 70 mph, and hail could measure up to 1.5 inches.

By Tuesday morning, the storm’s intensity will grow as it moves eastward, threatening the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Locations like Northern Louisiana, central Mississippi, and southern Arkansas are expected to experience the worst conditions with potential tornadoes, high winds, and heavy rain.

While a lower threat level exists from eastern Texas to western Georgia and up through parts of Missouri, isolated tornadoes and gusty winds remain a possibility for cities such as Memphis, Baton Rouge, and Atlanta.

New Orleans officials are closely monitoring weather developments. They may end Mardi Gras festivities early if conditions worsen. For now, parade routes have been adjusted to ensure safety before the winds pick up.

Parade organizers are taking precautions. Officials announced an end time of 11:30 a.m. for celebrations to avoid the worst conditions. If the weather does not improve, they are prepared to cancel events for safety.

Nearby Jefferson Parish has already canceled some parades due to forecasted high winds. Local officials stress that safety is their top priority and plan to work with organizers to find new dates for the events.

While the South braces for severe storms, the central US is also facing winter weather. Snow is starting to fall in the Rocky Mountains, with blizzard warnings in effect for parts of Colorado through Tuesday afternoon. Snow accumulation could reach up to a foot, paired with high winds that will greatly reduce visibility.

The storm will move toward the Midwest by Tuesday evening, bringing winter weather alerts for places like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota with snowfall of 2 to 7 inches expected.

Adding to the chaotic weather, a dust storm—known as a haboob—occurred in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico, creating dangerously low visibility. Some roads, including portions of Interstate 10, were closed due to the storm, which forced many vehicles off the road.

Drivers have reported frightening experiences, describing how the sudden onset of the dust storm made conditions treacherous. The dust storm increases the fire risk in the Southern Plains, where drought conditions are already severe.

Currently, over 8 million people across Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico are under fire warnings. Central and southwestern Texas are particularly vulnerable to fires, with gusts up to 60 mph and low humidity present, further intensifying the danger.