Mardi Gras gives people the opportunity to celebrate before the Lenten season, where many give up habits for 40 days. Here's a closer look.

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

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,