Severe Weather Outbreak Possible On Christmas Day

...A Significant Severe Weather Outbreak Is Possible For The Baton Rouge Area On Christmas Day...

Looking at the latest forecast models and analyzing the current weather situation, it is my thinking that we will have the threat for strong to severe storms around Southeast Louisiana starting early on Christmas Morning and continuing into the evening hours.

Currently, there is a stalled front over the I-10 corridor and it might only drift a little more to the south overnight. Then it is forecast to move back to the north as a warm front early on Christmas Morning. As this happens, we will see an additional surge of warm and humid air coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, some strong upper-level winds will move over Baton Rouge along with an area of low pressure that will move to the NE out of Texas into Central LA. We could see some strong to severe storms popping up starting anywhere between 3-6 AM. These storms will be capable of rotating and tornadoes could form along with damaging winds. This will continue until 9-10 AM.

Then there will be a little lull in the weather with the sun possibly coming up around lunchtime. However, DO NOT let this fool you...the severe weather threat WILL NOT be over.

The second round of severe weather will be possible during the afternoon and heading into the evening hours as a severe squall line of thunderstorms races toward Baton Rouge. Ahead of this front there will be more storms popping up. These could be strong to severe and even rotate with a threat for tornadoes again. Then the squall line will move through anywhere between 3-6 PM. The storms will likely be strong to severe with damaging winds and a few tornadoes. Winds could be in excess of 75 mph! This will cause damage, knock down trees and power lines.

Once the squall line moves through, the cold front will follow behind it and we will see an end to any severe weather. It will turn MUCH COLDER behind the front and still be windy. Temperatures will go from the 70s to the 40s and 30s overnight.

Much quieter and colder weather is on tap for Wednesday and Thursday.

Be sure to you prepared for this possible severe weather situation!! I know many of you are not thinking about the weather and only worried about Christmas. However, I urge you to stay tuned to WBRZ, WBRZ.com, WBRZ's Cable Weather Channel, and my Facebook & Twitter feeds for updates tonight through Christmas Day. Be sure to secure or bring in any Christmas decorations that could blow away or cause damage tonight!!

Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas! -Dave

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