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.

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.

Forecasters warn of intense storms that could unleash damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes in parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi on Tuesday.