The National Weather Service has issued a *TORNADO WATCH* for parts of the WBRZ Weather forecast area until 8pm.

As thunderstorms develop, the main threats will include a few tornadoes and damaging wind gusts up to 70mph.

Rain and thunderstorms will increase through the afternoon. Isolated to scattered activity leading into the evening hours will have the highest chance of producing a tornado. Then, a squall line associated with an approaching cold front will move into the area during the overnight hours, bringing a more widespread damaging wind threat. The squall line is expected to cross the area between 10pm – 2am. Beyond the front lines of that squall, the severe storms threat will rapidly diminish. However, in addition to isolated tornadoes, thunderstorms, especially those associated with the squall line, could dump very heavy rain. 2-4” with locally higher amount will be measured by Wednesday Morning.

Rain will begin to exit the region on Wednesday Morning as temperatures fall from the 70s to the 50s.

Impact: Damaging wind, heavy rain (3-4”), an isolated tornado

Additional Bulletins: A *FLASH FLOOD WATCH* is in effect until Wednesday Morning. This means that low lying spots and areas of poor drainage may notice rapid rises in water due to high rainfall rates. Any flash flooding creates a dangerous situation. Move away from rising or rushing waters. A *WIND ADVISORY* is posted until 6pm for 25-35mph winds, with higher gusts. Loose outdoor objects will easily blow around and high profile vehicles may have difficutly driving.

Timing: Until Wednesday Morning; highest chances for severe storms on Tuesday Evening

Actions: Be alert to rapid changes in weather, have access to bulletins through the WBRZ WX app., the WBRZ Cable Weather Channel, WBRZ Weather on Facebook and @2StormView on Twitter. With both the weather app. and Twitter, you can change your cellular phone settings to allow push notifcations and alerts for updates from the WBRZ Weather team. DO NOT drive any vehicle through flooded roadways. You risk stalling out and damaging your engine, or worse, being swept away. Secure light, loose outdoor objects.

Remember: a watch means conditions are favorable for a specific hazard to develop in the future so you should have a readiness plan, a warning means a specific hazard is happening now and you need to take safety precautions immediately. The area is in a “slight” risk for severe weather—this means there is a higher chance than usual for strong thunderstorms.

Locations within the TORNADO WATCH area include the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana in Louisiana and the Counties of Amite, Pike and Wilkinson in Mississippi.

A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to produce tornadoes, winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1 inch in diameter or larger, in addition to heavy rain and dangerous lightning. Those in and around the watch area should monitor weather information closely for possible warnings.

Get alerts as they are issued by downloading the free WBRZ WX app., or by following the WBRZ Weather team on Facebook and Twitter.