Severe thunderstorms and strong winds have altered some Mardi Gras plans in New Orleans on Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans, there is an enhanced risk of severe weather across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi on Tuesday, mainly in the afternoon and evening.

“Damaging winds and a few tornadoes are the most likely threat,” the NWS said Tuesday.

The threat is forecast to begin around noon for areas near the Atchafalaya River and will spread eastward through the afternoon and evening hours, according to the weather service. The NWS said occasional wind gusts of 50-60 mph are likely Tuesday afternoon, with the strongest non-thunderstorm winds expected to occur between 2-6 p.m.

Some Mardi Gras celebrations across city were rescheduled or canceled due to the weather as the weather service cautioned that high-profile vehicles, including Mardi Gras floats, “could become unstable at times” and that damaging winds “could blow down trees and power lines.”

Some parades canceled

Officials in Jefferson Parish said the Krewe of Argus and Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians were canceled due to the anticipated inclement weather. “Jefferson Parish officials are continuing to work with krewes on the possibility of rescheduling both parades,” officials said in a news release Tuesday.

“Due to the forecasted high winds and potential threat to public safety, we have made the difficult decision to cancel parades on Mardi Gras Day. This is disappointing but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community, and we must always prioritize safety above all else,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng in the news release.

For the latest information about parade time changes and cancellations, visit Mardi Gras New Orleans’ website.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].