Heavy Rain and Severe Weather Update: May 8, 2026

Here is an update concerning the heavy rain and severe weather threat today through this weekend:

Changes from previous update:

  • There is now a slight risk of heavy rainfall/flash flooding today.
  • There is now a marginal risk of severe weather today through Sunday.

WHAT: MARGINAL RISK to SLIGHT RISK of Heavy Rain that could lead to flash flooding; MARGINAL RISK of Severe Weather

WHEN: For today, Saturday and Sunday – mainly the afternoon hours into the evening               

WHERE: For today and tomorrow – all of southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi, especially along the I-10/I-12 corridor and south Mississippi. For Sunday – roughly along the I-10/I-12 corridor east of I-55 as well as coastal Louisiana and Mississippi.

CONFIDENCE: We are confident that there will be thunderstorms across the area and that a few will produce heavy rainfall. We are less confident in exactly where the greatest threat will be or if any of them will become severe.

IMPACTS:

  • Rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches through the weekend is currently forecast with locally higher amounts possible.
  • High rainfall rates will quickly lead to runoff with ponding of water in low lying areas and localized flash flooding.
  • Wind gusts greater than 60 mph are possible.
  • Large hail of up to 1 inch in diameter will be possible.
  • An isolated tornado or two is possible.
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