There is a chance of rain every day through Mardi Gras, and severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday, according to reports from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.

A cold front moving through the area Sunday is expected to push ahead of it a line of thunderstorms that could also bring the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, meteorologist Roger Erickson said in a news release.

Hail is also possible, meteorologist Roger Deal said in an online briefing. He said that three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches of rain is expected over the next five days.

The line of storms is expected to come through Southwest Louisiana between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Erickson said.

More rain is forecast for Monday as the cold front is expected to stall near the coast Sunday night, Erickson said.

The heaviest rain is expected in south central Louisiana, and rain totals Sunday could equal an inch, he said.

Deal said there is a 70 percent chance of rain Sunday.

“Strong upper level forces combined with warm gulf moisture and unstable air will make conditions possible for severe storms to develop,” Deal said.

There is a 60 percent chance of rain Monday and Tuesday.

Schedule Of Events

• Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest, at the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Floats will be on display through Feb. 22. The People’s Choice Award will be presented Feb. 21. Call 436-9588 for more information.

• Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, 8:30 a.m. today, Feb. 9. The day of festivities and chicken runs starts and ends at the West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Floats and horses are welcome. Lineup begins at 6:30 a.m.; parade will start at 8 a.m., with a $5 admission fee for trail riders.

• World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Admission is $5; children 5 and under are admitted free.

• Krewe of Omega Parade, 2 p.m. today in downtown Lake Charles. Elizabeth Conway Griffin, elected in 1995 as first black woman to serve on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, will be parade grand marshal. Those participating in the parade will assemble at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center. For more information, call Herman Guidry at 436-1179.

• Zydeco Dance, 3-5 p.m. today at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

• Krewe of Barkus Parade, 3 p.m. today at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.

• Krewe of Cosmos presentation, 6:30 p.m. today. The Krewe of Cosmos presents its royal court at the Sulphur High School auditorium with skits, songs and more.

• Krewe of Illusions presentation, 7:30 p.m. today at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets cost $30 for orchestra, formal attire required; $18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

• Taste de la Louisiane, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Admission is $7.

• Children’s Day, Sunday, noon-3 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. An education station complete with safety and health information.

• Children’s Parade, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in downtown Lake Charles.

• Lighted Boat Parade, 7 p.m. Feb. 10, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

• Mardi Gras-ArtSpace Workshop, Feb. 11 at Children’s Museum, 327 Broad St. $7.50 for adults and kids over 23 months; $6.75 military; $5.75 for seniors. Call 433-9420.

• Royal Gala, 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The event features the courts of more than 60 krewes. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

• Iowa Chicken Run, 10 a.m. Feb. 12. The chicken run starts and ends at KC Hall and runs west down U.S. 90.

• Motorcycles, Hot Rods & Classics Parade, noon Feb. 12 in downtown-midtown Lake Charles.

• Krewe of Krewes’ Parade, 5 p.m. Feb. 12 in downtown-midtown Lake Charles. Hundreds of krewe floats, costumes, beads and more will wind through the city as part of the Fat Tuesday celebration.

Online: www.swlamardigras.com

(American Press Archives)

Brad Puckett

(American Press Archives)