The threat of severe weather has left New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions at risk, with parades being shortened or canceled, warnings issued over flying debris and officials urging extreme caution

The city’s two biggest parades are set to go on with earlier start times, shorter routes, and no marching bands, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters Monday.

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.