Louisiana Special Weather Statement | Effective 04/30/2026 15:57

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued April 30 at 5:57PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
April 30, 2026 - 3:57pm
Expires: 
April 30, 2026 - 4:30pm
Description: 
At 556 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm capable of producing funnel clouds and waterspouts near Luling, or 8 miles southwest of Avondale, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Waterspouts and funnel clouds, winds in excess of 40 mph, and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous waters. If a funnel cloud briefly touches down, minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Marrero, Avondale, Harvey, Jefferson, Gretna, Harahan, Westwego, Jean Lafitte, Woodmere, Elmwood, Luling, Bridge City, Ama, Estelle, Waggaman, Boutte, River Ridge, St. Rose, Destrehan, and Bayou Gauche. This includes the following Interstates... Interstate 10 in Louisiana near mile marker 235. Interstate 310 between mile markers 7 and 8.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted move indoors or to safe harbor and report your sighting to the National Weather Service. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
Area Description: 
Western Orleans; Upper Jefferson; Central Jefferson; Central St. Charles; Lower St. Charles
Forcast Office: 
NWS New Orleans LA