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Louisiana Officials Plan for Road Closures, Power Outages from Winter Weather

State Prepares for Snow, Power Loss, and Hazardous Road Conditions

As winter storm conditions threaten Louisiana, officials are bracing for a wave of disruptions, including road closures, power outages, and icy conditions that could stretch into Thursday. With sub-freezing temperatures and a significant chance of snow on the way, Governor Jeff Landry and local emergency management teams have sprung into action to prepare for the impact of this rare winter weather event.

Governor Landry participated in a public conference call on Sunday afternoon with state and local emergency officials, where the weather’s severity was discussed in detail. With the National Weather Service predicting freezing temperatures from Sunday night through Thursday, Louisiana is facing an unusually long cold snap that could bring serious consequences.

Road Hazards and Snowfall Expected

One of the most immediate concerns for state officials is the threat of dangerous road conditions. The southern regions of Louisiana, especially along the Interstate 10 corridor and Lake Pontchartrain, could see up to 6 inches of snow starting Tuesday, creating travel hazards and prompting road closures. The northern part of the state, though expected to receive less snow, will also see temperatures plummet into the teens, making roads icy and treacherous.

Louisiana winter weather

Road crews were already working on Sunday to pre-treat elevated roads and bridges, anticipating the freezing temperatures and the coming snow. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads, particularly during the heaviest snowfalls on Tuesday and Wednesday, when the risk of accidents and delays will be highest.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has also noted that resupply efforts may be delayed due to the icy conditions and road closures. This could lead to grocery stores experiencing shortages, with shelves expected to be sparsely stocked by midweek.

Power Outages and Water Pressure Concerns

Alongside the risk to transportation, officials are worried about power outages and water pressure issues caused by the extreme cold. Freezing temperatures can lead to power lines downed by ice or fallen trees, disrupting electricity services in affected areas. Emergency crews are on standby, ready to respond to outages as they arise.

Another issue is water pressure. As temperatures drop, pipes in unprotected areas are at risk of freezing. To combat this, some utilities have advised residents to let a thin stream of water drip from indoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing. However, this precaution could put a strain on the local water systems, and some areas could face 24 to 48 hours of low water pressure.

Jay Grimes, Louisiana’s state climatologist, advised residents to be prepared for extended outages, emphasizing that it’s crucial to have at least two days’ worth of supplies on hand. This includes water, food, medications, and other essentials, especially since road closures will likely delay deliveries of new supplies.

Some parishes have already opened warming shelters for residents who need a safe place to escape the cold. The shelters are expected to serve as safe havens during the worst of the cold front.

A Glimpse of the Cold Ahead

The cold front is set to hit Louisiana hardest early Tuesday, with snowstorms likely to persist throughout the day. The storm will affect both urban and rural areas, with significant snowfalls impacting not only the coastal regions but also parts of the interior. While the snow is expected to taper off by Wednesday, the cold temperatures will linger, keeping the region under freeze warnings.

Though not as severe as the southern areas, the northern part of Louisiana will also experience frigid conditions, and the teens temperatures could create hazardous driving conditions. The high chance of snow and the ongoing freeze has prompted local officials to urge people to take precautions and stay home during the worst of the storm.

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