Summer storms are a way of life in New Orleans. It’s not uncommon for it to rain in the metro NOLA area every day. Expect 15 to 30 minute afternoon showers. Plan ahead and stick a mini umbrella in your car, purse or backpack.

And don’t let the weather ruin your plans. New Orleanians are used to the rain and many events go on, rain or shine. Buy a pair of rainboots (Fleurty Girl options) and hit the streets.

Also, don’t stress about the severe weather/flooding alerts on your phone. Sure, you need to pay attention and be weather-alert, but the alerts are common so there is no need to panic. UNLESS you see rising water or tornado like winds. Just be smart, people.

Maybe you can even learn to love the tumultuous weather. That’s what Lauren of NOLA New Girl did. Here’s an excerpt from her blog:

I love storms and the South knows how to host them. I thought Seattle had the scoop on rain but that was before I experienced a multiple-hour-lightning storm… Or even knew they existed.

One time I watched a lightning storm over the Pacific for half an hour in the Philippines, but I figured that could only happen in places like Asia. I blame my naivety, but how have I gone 26 years without knowing you could fall asleep to the sound of thunder three times a week? Sitting on my NOLA porch, looking for bolts of lightning, I wondered why the other neighbors weren’t out on their porches marveling alongside me.

Read Lauren’s full post.

Header image by flickr user solidether.