NEW ORLEANS — The good times and parades still rolled in New Orleans for Mardi Gras Day celebrations early Tuesday, ahead of expected severe winds, thunderstorms and tornado warnings in the afternoon.

Carnival Season’s final parades in Louisiana’s most populous city, which is world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, were moved to earlier time slots — with masked riders on elaborate floats and costumed revelers determined to beat the bad weather and partake in the conclusion of the pre-Lenten jollification.

As the sun rose on Fat Tuesday, people donning skeleton masks and antlers on their heads gathered in New Orleans’ historic Treme neighborhood. Members of the Northside Skull and Bones Gang woke up the city with drums and chants, spreading a message of peace.

“Mardi Gras is all about having these moments. This city is like nowhere else in the country right now,” said Kendall Calyen, 41, marveling at the 200-year-old tradition unfolding before his eyes.

The city’s two biggest parades — hosted by the social clubs Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex — started earlier, shortened their routes and are going without marching bands, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The parades wrapped up by the afternoon to avoid worsening weather.

The National Weather Service forecasted thunderstorms and winds up to 60 mph and had issued tornado watches for the area.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told the Associated Press that despite weather challenges, the city was able modify the parades to ensure that there were still traditional festivities.

“My favorite part is the authenticity of the city of New Orleans on full display for the world to see which is woven and embedded in our culture that’s through our people,” Cantrell said.

At the start of the Krewe of Zulu parade, family and friends gathered wearing Mardi Gras purple, gold and green. Many reclined in chairs, ready to enjoy the long haul. Impromptu barbecues wafted smoke from street corners and hip-hop blared.

Jeremy Speed, a 40-year-old Krewe of Zulu member who grew up watching the parade, rode a float and tossed his hand-painted coconut “throws “ to onlookers. He was disappointed that the route had been shortened due to weather but was grateful that the parades weren’t canceled altogether.

“At least they let us roll, they figured it out” Speed said. “Ain’t nothing like Zulu.”

Two other parades which had been scheduled to meander through the city later on Tuesday with nearly 200 truck floats were postponed to Sunday, Kirkpatrick said.

At the start of the year, some seemed skeptical whether Carnival celebrations would take place as normal, following the devastating Jan. 1 truck attack that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

The Department of Homeland Security upgraded Mardi Gras to its highest risk rating, leading to an influx of law enforcement agents.