Weekend Weather Warnings: What You Need to Know

South Louisiana is in for a wild weekend. A storm system is on its way, bringing two rounds of thunderstorms. The first batch is expected to hit later this morning and early afternoon. The second, more intense round is set to arrive overnight. This could mean damaging winds and even a few brief tornadoes. So, if you're planning to head out for the big games, be prepared for some wet and windy conditions. Tailgating before Southern's 4 p. m. kickoff or LSU's 6:30 p. m. game? You might want to pack a poncho. Showers and storms are likely to stick around through the afternoon. Keep an eye on the radar and have a safe spot to duck into if lightning strikes. The next line of storms is expected to roll in later tonight, hopefully missing the games. But even if they do, expect gusty winds and some heavy downpours overnight. Sunday will be a mix of sun and showers, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 80 degrees. By late Sunday night, all the rain will have cleared out, making way for a quieter start to the week. Monday will be warm but less humid, with highs around 80. Another cold front is on the way for Tuesday, bringing cooler and drier air. Expect highs in the 60s and lows dipping into the 40s north of Baton Rouge. The rest of the week looks pleasant and seasonable. Meanwhile, tropical storm Melissa is strengthening in the central Caribbean and is expected to become a hurricane. It could reach major hurricane status before hitting Jamaica early next week. The slow-moving system could cause catastrophic flash flooding and damaging winds. Melissa is forecast to turn north early next week, heading toward eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.