NEW ORLEANS — Happy Lundi Gras!
The day before Mardi Gras is set to feature two large parades in Uptown and several others throughout the area. But weather is expected to be a factor, with thunderstorms likely heading into the evening.
What are today's parades
In New Orleans, parades kick off at 2 p.m. with the Krewe of Red Beans rolling through the Marigny. The parade's official 150 krewe members, wearing handmade bean costumes will be joined by thousands of unofficial paraders.
At the same time, the krewe's sister parade, the Krewe of Dead Beans, will parade in Mid-City. Their parade outfits are inspired by myth and folklore.
Both krewes will meet up near the end of their routes to form one parade.
In the evening, the Krewe of Proteus is scheduled to roll through Uptown on the normal Uptown parade route (down St. Charles all the way to the French Quarter) at 5:15.
20 floats will roll with Proteus.
At 6 p.m., the Krewe of Orpheus will roll behind them at nearly twice the size. Orpheus is expected to have 38 floats.
WWL-TV is keeping track of all the parades, from when they start to where they are along their routes.
When to expect rain
Thousands of people are expected to turn out to the various parades as they make their way through New Orleans, but some paradegoers might get rained on.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the afternoon and evening Monday, so if you're headed to a parade (especially on the Uptown route) it's best to bring an umbrella, or at least dress in layers.
Mardi Gras is expected to be drier than today though, so anybody hoping to see Zulu or Rex will be fine.
Be safe, mind your surroundings
After two people died and four people were injured in Carnival parade accidents, public safety is being promoted by city officials across the board.
Tandem floats have been banned after two people were killed within four days after falling under the wagons on tandem floats. The large vehicles are like trains, and can't stop easily.
And if you see somebody else getting too close to the parade, pull them back.
City officials also urged residents to take fire precautions Sunday after a trash collection truck caught fire. Hot coals from a fire were pointed to as a likely culprit for the fire.
If you've got a fire going along the route, make sure it's properly doused before disposing of the ash and coal.
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