KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

The rains and storms surprisingly held off today as weak high pressure aloft over the Eastern Gulf put a lid on any convection that tried to fire-up. Gusty south to southeast winds have been as high as 40mph this afternoon with windy conditions and some gusts likely to stay with us overnight.  Nasty storms along a broken squall line has been producing torrential downpours and the threat of tornadoes this afternoon across much of Eastern Texas northeastward through the Arklatex.  A tornado watch remains in effect through 900pm including much of the western and northwestern part of Louisiana.  I would expect additional watches to migrate farther eastward overnight and toward morning.  Temperatures tonight will stay in the balmy 70s but will drop nicely into the upper 50s behind the front by late tomorrow afternoon. Showers and storms will be likely across western portions of Acadiana by sunrise with activity slowly marching eastward.  I think that the greatest risk of severe weather will occur until the front gets here which should by by midday or early afternoon.  The main mode of severe weather should be the threat of damaging winds but any discrete cells that develop ahead of the main squall may produce isolated tornadoes…this is why we’ll probably be under a tornado watch at some point later tonight and tomorrow.  Plenty of upper support will keep rain and embedded thunderstorms across the area through tomorrow night with activity likely tapering off a few hours after midnight.  There may still be the threat of nasty storms behind the front with the risk of gusty winds and perhaps hail.  Rain totals should be in the 2-4 inch range locally with much higher amounts toward the Texas state line and toward the northwest.  Flood watches may also expand across the rest of Acadiana based on thunderstorm trends overnight.  Clearing and cool conditions are expected for this weekend with chilly trick or treat temperatures likely in the upper 50s and falling with a windchill to boot!  Sunday through the end of next week continues to look quite nice so the usual gorgeous October weather that we normal see in the mid-later part of the month won’t take up residencein Acadiana November!  Stay safe and keep it tuned to KATC for weather updates…it looks busy for Dave’s shift tomorrow.  Rob