A cold front associated with a strong storm system over the Rockies right now will move into southeast Louisiana late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Showers and thunderstorms will accompany the front as it moves through.
It is important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.
The National Weather Service explains the difference between the two below:
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room.
Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur.
The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement officer who is watching the storm.
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What is a Tornado Watch?
What is a Tornado Warning?
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FIRST ALERT FORECAST: Cooler Sunday before another front this week
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – With the front now passed us, a cooler and breezy day is on the way to wrap up the weekend.
Temps may struggle to reach 60 for a high on Sunday even with abundant sunshine, but it will be a nicer day for outdoor plans. It will be windy again though as northwest winds will gust between 20-30 mph. Morning lows will be colder by early Monday with 30s in most areas out the door. Monday afternoon looks like nice with highs near 60 and sunshine before changes take place again.
Another front is likely to move through between Tuesday and Wednesday. This will bring yet another round of rain to our area, but no signs of anything other than rain.
Behind that could come some even colder weather with morning lows by Thursday morning near or below freezing likely even down to I-10. Areas north of the interstate have a good chance of seeing temperatures in the 20’s by Thursday morning, so we’re not done with winter yet. And highs Thursday may not even get out of the 40’s!
For a look at current conditions, forecast tools, the First Alert Radar and the 10-day forecast, go to: https://www.kplctv.com/weather/
Copyright 2025 KPLC. All rights reserved.
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First Alert Forecast: A chilly Friday with rain possible
Tornado watch issued for much of Alabama as severe storms approach
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A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will likely enter the northwest corner of the state around 9:00 Saturday night
by JEFF COX
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for much of Alabama, the western Florida Panhandle, southeast Louisiana, central and southern Mississippi, southern middle Tennessee, and coastal waters. The watch is effective from 9:10 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. CST Sunday.
Primary threats include the likelihood of a few tornadoes, with the possibility of a couple of intense tornadoes. Widespread damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are expected, and isolated large hail events up to 1.5 inches in diameter are possible.
ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann emphasized the potential for strong, potentially damaging winds as the line of storms passes through Alabama. “With the saturated soil and the potential for damaging winds, you might consider taking action for a severe thunderstorm warning like a tornado warning tonight due to the potential for falling trees,” he said.
The line of thunderstorms is expected to enter the northwest corner of Alabama around 10 p.m. and move quickly through the state overnight. Spann noted that the main concern remains strong, potentially damaging straight-line winds, with the possibility of a few isolated tornadoes, especially over southwest Alabama.
“Gradient winds ahead of the line could gust to 30-40 mph in spots; a wind advisory is in effect,” Spann said. “The line will move quickly, rain amounts should be one inch or less for most places, and major flooding issues are not expected.”
Much of the state is under an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) due to the wind potential. Residents are urged to have a reliable way of receiving severe weather warnings throughout the night.
