New Orleans Pounded by Hail as Flash Flood Danger Explodes
Severe Weather Alert: New Orleans Metro Faces Storms, Flooding, and Large Hail
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
Active warnings are in effect right now. If you are in the affected areas, please follow all safety instructions immediately. This article explains what’s happening in simple terms so you can stay safe.
What Is Happening Right Now?
Strong thunderstorms are moving across the New Orleans metro area this Friday afternoon. These storms are bringing multiple dangers at once:
- Damaging winds up to 60 mph (that’s as fast as a car on a highway!)
- Frequent lightning (very dangerous if you’re outside)
- Heavy rain causing flash flooding
- Hail — some as big as quarters (about 1 inch wide)
HAIL ALREADY REPORTED
Viewers have seen hail falling in Uptown New Orleans and parts of Jefferson Parish as the storms move through.
Active Weather Alerts (As of Friday Afternoon)
Flash Flood Warning
Until 6:15 PM
Areas included:
- Northeastern Jefferson Parish
- Southwestern Orleans Parish
- Northwestern Plaquemines Parish
Specific communities:
Harvey, Marrero, Gretna, Terrytown, Timberlane, Woodmere, Estelle, and Belle Chasse
What this means: Heavy rain is falling right now in these areas. Flooding is already happening or will start very soon on streets, highways, underpasses, and other low spots.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Until 4:15 PM
Areas included:
- Southwestern Orleans Parish
- North-central Jefferson Parish
Specific communities:
Metairie, Marrero, Harvey, Gretna, Terrytown, Westwego, Avondale, Harahan, Elmwood, and other parts of the metro
What this means: A storm over Marrero is producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, plus torrential rain.
Major roads affected:
- Interstate 10 between mile markers 229 and 236
- Interstate 610 near mile marker 1
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Until 8 PM
Areas included:
- St. Tammany Parish
- Tangipahoa Parish
- Parts of southeastern Louisiana
- Parts of southern Mississippi
What this means: Conditions are favorable for severe storms in these areas. Stay alert and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
Storm Timeline: When Will It Affect You?
The storms are moving from north to south this evening:
- First: Northshore and South Mississippi (earlier Friday evening)
- Later: Southshore and New Orleans metro (later Friday evening)
KEY POINT
The severe risk is somewhat lower by the time storms reach the Southshore, but isolated severe storms are still possible across the New Orleans metro this afternoon and evening with the same dangers: strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain.
What You Should Do RIGHT NOW (Safety Steps)
If you are in a warned area, follow these steps immediately:
- Move indoors — Get inside a sturdy building right away
- Stay away from windows — Wind and hail can shatter glass
- Do not drive through flooded roads — Turn around, don’t drown! Even shallow water can sweep a car away
- Avoid underpasses and low-lying areas — These flood first and fastest
- Stay informed — Keep checking local news and weather alerts
Quick Reference: What Each Alert Means
| Alert Type | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood Warning | Flooding is happening NOW or imminent | Get to higher ground immediately; never drive through water |
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Severe storm is occurring NOW (60+ mph winds, 1"+ hail) | Take shelter indoors away from windows |
| Severe Thunderstorm Watch | Conditions are right for severe storms | Stay alert; have a plan; be ready to act if warning issued |
Summary
Bottom line: The New Orleans metro is under active severe weather threats this Friday afternoon. Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail are occurring right now in parts of Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes. Additional areas to the north are under a watch until 8 PM.
Your priorities:
- Safety first — Get indoors, stay away from windows
- Never drive through floodwater — It’s the #1 cause of flood deaths
- Stay alert — Storms will continue moving south through the evening
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a "Watch" and a "Warning"?
Think of it like baking cookies:
- A Watch = "We have all the ingredients to make cookies" (conditions are right for severe weather)
- A Warning = "The cookies are in the oven RIGHT NOW" (severe weather is happening or imminent)
A Warning is more urgent — take action immediately!
How dangerous is 60 mph wind?
Very dangerous! At 60 mph, wind can:
- Break large tree branches
- Knock down power lines
- Damage roofs and siding
- Turn unsecured outdoor items into flying missiles
- Make driving high-profile vehicles (trucks, SUVs) very difficult
What does "quarter-size hail" mean?
It means hailstones about 1 inch in diameter — roughly the size of a quarter coin. This size hail can:
- Dent cars
- Damage roofs and siding
- Break windows
- Seriously injure people or pets caught outside
Why is "Turn Around, Don’t Drown" so important?
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult.
Just 12 inches can float a small car.
Just 18-24 inches can carry away SUVs and trucks.
You cannot see how deep the water is or if the road underneath has washed away. Never risk it.
How can I stay updated on these storms?
- Local TV: WWL-TV and other New Orleans stations
- Weather radio: NOAA Weather Radio alerts
- Phone alerts: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) — make sure they’re ON in your settings
- Apps: National Weather Service, local news station apps
- Social media: Follow @NWSNewOrleans and local meteorologists
REMEMBER
Storms pass. Floodwaters recede. But safety choices last forever.
When in doubt, wait it out.