More than 55 million people across the central and southern US are at risk of severe weather on Tuesday as a violent storm sweeps across the country, bringing the potential for blizzard conditions, tornadoes and fire weather.

Powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes are expected to punch through Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday just as huge parades and costumed revelers are set to celebrate Mardi

Mardi Gras gives people the opportunity to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days.