Officials are rushing to reschedule Mardi Gras celebrations and warning revelers against brining umbrellas and tents as powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes are expected to strike Louisiana and other parts of the South.

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

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes are expected to punch through Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday just as costumed revelers celebrate Mardi Gras with huge parades and partying in the streets of New Orleans and other cities in the region.

In the wake of the New Year's New Orleans attack that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street, authorities are boosting security throughout the city for Mardi Gras festivities. NBC News' Jesse Kirsch speaks with New Orleans officials on the expanded security in the city.