NEW ORLEANS — UPDATE: A line of severe storms knocked out some power in southeast Louisiana and suspended the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans and the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula temporarily. The Strawberry Fest was back open by 2 p.m. and the French Quarter Festival reopened at 3 p.m.
The strong storms weren't expected to last but a second round is expected very early Sunday before it clears and should be good weather for the festivals Sunday.
There are more than 4,000 power outages in St. John Parish, and more than 3,000 in Jefferson as the storms roll through.
A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Plaquemines, Washington, St. John, St. James, St. Charles and Lafourche parishes.
The watch is expected to remain in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday.
Neutral ground parking is now allowed in New Orleans until Sunday at 8 a.m. You're asked not to block intersections, streetcar tracks, sidewalks, or bike paths.
Do not drive through flood waters. It could put you and your vehicle in danger and could also push water into nearby homes and businesses. If water rises around your car, get out of the car immediately.
You can call 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies. You can also see the latest reports on street flooding here and on our social media pages @wwltv.