NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The FOX 8 Weather team is issuing a First Alert for Mardi Gras Day. A strong storm system approaching will bring gusty winds during the day and a severe weather threat in the evening.

Mardi Gras is going to be a rough one weather-wise for the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, with the threat of dangerously high winds arriving early and thunderstorms in the afternoon, including the possibility of a few tornadoes and even hail, the National Weather Service says.

Headed into Mardi Gras day that will start to change as winds will dramatically increase from the south between 20-25 mph and gusts between 30-40 mph. Winds will be out ahead of a front that will roll through the area Tuesday afternoon possibly sparking some severe thunderstorms.

Powerful storms bearing a threat of tornadoes are expected to punch through Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday.

Jefferson Parish canceled its parades, and officials in New Orleans were warily watching the Tuesday forecast.

Jefferson Parish officials are canceling Mardi Gras Day parades because they are worried strong winds could flip floats, send tents flying and create other unsafe conditions. Why it matters: It's the first time the holiday's parades have been canceled in recent memory,

New Orleans officials are weighing weather-related Mardi Gras decisions as anticipated heavy winds from incoming storms are expected to reach the area by Monday (March 3) evening. The upcoming decision comes after Jefferson Parish officials canceled all of their Mardi Gras day parades earlier Monday morning.