The latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma shows that our area should begin experiencing thunderstorm activity on Friday afternoon and continuing into the night, while a large line of thunderstorms should pass this area around 3:00 Saturday morning.
Meteorologists are warning that tornadoes, damaging hail, and straight-line winds, along with deadly cloud-to-ground lightning are all possible during this weather event.
The following is the latest severe weather discussion issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles on Thursday:
A vigorous storm system approaching from the west will bring widespread shower and thunderstorm activity to the region Friday afternoon into early Saturday. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop during this time-frame. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms for the entire area Friday into Saturday morning.
Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will be possible from Friday afternoon into the overnight hours with any discrete cells that develop ahead of the front. A line of strong to severe storms is also expected to accompany the front as it moves through the area overnight into early Saturday, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible.
Additionally, torrential rains will be possible along with frequent and deadly cloud to ground lightning.
