Strong Storms Push Through Central Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Friday Evening

Here's a weather segment article based on the radar image:

DFW/NBC 5 Weather Experts — A line of strong to severe thunderstorms was sweeping across central Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Friday evening, as S-Band radar imagery captured at 5:45 PM showed a significant cluster of cells pushing eastward along the I-10 and I-20 corridors.

What the Radar Shows

The most intense activity Friday evening was centered near Alexandria and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where radar returns showed deep reds and yellows indicating heavy rainfall and strong convective energy at the storm's core. A secondary cluster of storms was also developing near Lufkin, Texas, with lighter green returns suggesting developing cells moving into the region.

Yellow warning boxes were visible on radar near Lufkin and New Orleans, indicating active severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings in those areas at the time of the image.

The storm system stretched from east Texas through central and southeastern Louisiana, with scattered green returns — lighter rainfall — extending toward Lake Charles and parts of southern Mississippi near Hattiesburg and I-59.

Regions in the Crosshairs

- Alexandria, LA — Ground zero for the heaviest rainfall, with radar showing the most intense core of the storm system - Baton Rouge, LA — Significant storm activity pushing through the metro area - New Orleans, LA — Under an active warning, with storms approaching from the west - Lufkin, TX — Isolated developing cells with a warning in effect - Lake Charles, LA — Lighter rain moving through the area

What to Expect

The storm system appeared to be moving generally eastward and southeastward, which would push the heaviest weather toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast and potentially into southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle overnight.

Residents in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro areas were urged to remain weather-aware Friday evening, as the red cores on radar suggested the potential for heavy downpours, frequent lightning, strong winds, and possible brief tornadoes.

Areas farther west — including the DFW Metroplex and Tyler — were largely clear of the evening's storm activity, though scattered light returns could be seen on the western edge of the system near the Lufkin area.

Stay Alert

The NBC 5 Weather Experts team advises residents across Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and southeast Texas to:

- Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings — a weather app, NOAA weather radio, or local TV - Avoid flooded roadways — never drive through standing water - Stay indoors when thunderstorms are in the area - Monitor updates as the storm system continues to evolve through Friday night

Stay with NBC 5 Weather Experts for the latest radar and forecast updates throughout the evening.