Severe weather threats are forecasted for Louisiana, and tornadoes are possible. Here's the severity of tornadoes and how to stay safe in Louisiana.

The Lafayette area is under a tornado watch as severe weather moves across Louisiana on Mardi Gras, bringing thunderstorms, damaging winds and the possibility for tornadoes, according to the National

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch that includes New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas until 7 p.m. Tuesday. The threat of severe weather prompted New Orleans Mardi Gras parades to roll early Fat Tuesday and attention is now turning what is in the forecast this afternoon and evening.

A dangerous line of severe thunderstorms continues to move east after causing damage across parts of Texas and Oklahoma. FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen explains the tornado threat for Louisiana,

A strong storm system will be moving across the Mississippi Valley through the afternoon and we will have the chance of severe weather as the line of storms moves in with it. We currently have a tornado watch for the entire area of southern Louisiana and Mississippi until 7 p.

A mammoth and multifaceted storm – which was dealing wind, fire, choking dust and the threat of a blizzard – pummeled much of the country as it marched east.

Severe weather threats persisted a day after stormy winds forced changes to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, which moved up and shortened its two biggest parades.