Baton Rouge, LA ­— January 24, 2023 — The National Weather Service (NWS) Slidell has included East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) in the Enhanced Risk of Severe Weather and Slight Risk of Flash Flooding forecast for today. 

Our area is under a High Wind Warning beginning at 12:00 PM (noon) today and lasting through early tomorrow morning. Sustained winds of 30–40 mph and gusts of 55 mph are possible. Forecasters expect 1–3 inches of rainfall with the potential for locally higher amounts for our area. Rainfall rates could be as high as 1–2 inches per hour. The NWS is currently forecasting strong to severe storms to approach EBRP from 7–11 p.m. this evening.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) are closely monitoring the latest weather forecasts. Mayor Broome along with MOHSEP, EBRP first responders, and local City-Parish partners are committed to the safety of our citizens.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome advises residents, “Ensure you have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts and stay tuned to your local weather stations for the latest forecasts. Evening drive times may be impacted; therefore, it is important to use caution on the roadways and do not drive through flooded waters or around barricades placed for your safety.” 

“Given today’s forecast for damaging winds, conditions could bring short-term power outages. Ensure your home is prepared and report any outages to your local provider. Conditions could deteriorate quickly depending on where storms form. It is important to be Red Stick Ready by staying weather aware all day today and into the evening hours,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.

For further information follow “Red Stick Ready” on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @RedStickReady and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application — free on Apple and Android devices by searching "Red Stick Ready".