Heavy winds headed for New Orleans on Fat Tuesday appear poised to cancel two of the city's climactic Carnival events, the Zulu and Rex parades, after officials said they would stop the parades from rolling if the forecast worsened.

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,

Mardi Gras celebrations are about to get underway, but severe weather and high winds could lead to issues in New Orleans and surrounding communities celebrating on Fat Tuesday. FOX Weather Meteorologists Craig Herrera and Kendall Smith break down the latest forecast.