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,

Jefferson Parish canceled its parades, and officials in New Orleans were warily watching the Tuesday forecast.

There will be plenty of parades in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. on March 4. Here's what you need to know.

Zulu and Rex will both roll early with no marching krewes, bands or truck floats in an effort to beat the high winds expected to hit the metro area on Fat Tuesday. The announcement comes as other parishes announced cancellations or earlier start times for parades.

Jefferson Parish officials are expected to announce on Monday, Feb. 3, the cancellation of all Mardi Gras parades.

The severe weather has already led Jefferson Parish to cancel its two Mardi Gras day parades. There was no word yet from New Orleans officials on whether parades would be rescheduled there, which would require the massive security coordination put in place in the wake of the Jan.