After days of uncertainty over possibly severe weather in the forecast, parade-goers and paraders alike are smiling this morning as most of the rain is, for now, staying north of the lake.

Pete Fountain's Half-Fast Walking Club began the procession along St. Charles Avenue, soon to be followed by the Krewes of Zulu and Rex. 

Early parades in St. Tammany and Jefferson Parishes also rolled on time, as Krewe officials and police waited until this morning to make the final decision on whether to proceed.

A better chance of heavy rain and possibly severe weather looks to be in the forecast for later today.