The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a TORNADO WATCH in effect until 7 pm today, Thursday, 4/18.
The entire Acadiana region is included in the TORNADO WATCH area. There are several other WATCHES AND WARNINGS from the NWS and Delta Media will continue to update throughout the day. The area is also under the influence of a WIND ADVISORY until 6 pm.
Radar was indicating a strong storm near Rockefeller Refuge (11:05a) and was moving northeast at 55 mph. Wind gusts with this storm could be at 50 mph or more.
This storm is the first of many squalls which can move through the area producing frequent and dangerous lightning. The area can expect various squalls moving through the Acadiana region throughout the afternoon.
The TORNADO WATCH includes all of the parishes and towns along the I10 corridor and includes Lafayette, Jeff Davis, Acadia, St Landry, and the Tornado Watch continues east into Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
According to the track of the storms, this area should move out of Acadiana by 7 pm today.
Be weather aware if you are traveling east from Lafayette as this system will move into Baton Rouge and New Orleans late this evening into the night.
Stay with Delta Media for updates.
