Heavy winds headed for New Orleans on Fat Tuesday appear poised to cancel two of the city's climactic Carnival events, the Zulu and Rex parades, after officials said they would stop the parades from rolling if the forecast worsened.

Zulu and Rex parades, the climax of New Orleans' carnival season, will roll early on Fat Tuesday with pared-down ensembles due to forecasts of high wind.

Day in New Orleans will look a bit different this year, as the city is changing times and routes for the Zulu and Rex parades because of severe weather forecasts. The storied Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club's parade will roll on a shortened route starting at 7 a.