LOUISIANA — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for a large portion of Louisiana as strong storms move across the state, according to the National Weather Service.
The Storm Prediction Center issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 241 at 10:15 a.m. CDT, warning that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning.
The watch includes the following Louisiana parishes: Acadia, Avoyelles, Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Union, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana and Winn.
Major cities included in the watch area include Baton Rouge, Monroe, Alexandria, Hammond, Bogalusa, Opelousas and Natchitoches.
Forecasters said residents in the affected areas should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the afternoon and evening. Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging wind gusts strong enough to bring down trees and power lines, along with heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning.
The National Weather Service urges residents to monitor local forecasts closely and be prepared to seek shelter if Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued.
