Thousands of revelers in outlandish costumes will fill the streets of New Orleans as the city celebrates Mardi Gras Day.

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,

Parades on Mardi Gras day have been canceled due to the dangers posed by extreme winds that could reach 60 mph in the New Orleans area on Fat Tuesday.