Special Weather Statement: Gusty Winds and Lightning Expected

Residents in St. John the Baptist, Western Orleans, Upper Jefferson, Upper St. Charles, Central St. Charles, and Lower St. Charles parishes should monitor weather conditions closely. The National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans has issued a Special Weather Statement, effective immediately at 7:02 PM CDT on September 21, 2026, and expiring at 7:30 PM CDT.

Doppler radar at 7:02 PM CDT detected a line of showers extending from 9 miles northwest of New Orleans to 7 miles northeast of Laplace, moving south at 25 mph. This system is expected to bring wind gusts up to 50 mph along the immediate coast. These gusty winds could cause tree limbs to fall and unsecured objects to be blown around.

Locations impacted include New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, Hahnville, Laplace, Jefferson, Harahan, River Ridge, St. Rose, Ama, Waggaman, Elmwood, Destrehan, New Sarpy, Bridge City, Norco, and Taft.

The NWS advises seeking safe shelter inside a building or vehicle due to frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Stay alert for threatening weather and monitor local radio and television for additional information and possible warnings.