Here is an update concerning the winter weather.
Changes since Previous Update:
- Confidence continues to increase that there will be moderate to major impacts from winter weather Tuesday thru Tuesday Night.
- No additional changes to headlines from this morning’s update.
Overview:
WHAT: Extreme cold and Winter Weather precipitation, including heavy snow and/or ice. Impacts to travel, possibly all the way to the Gulf Coast.
WHEN:
- Cold Temperatures: – Sunday night through much of next week
- Winter Precipitation: – Monday night through Tuesday evening
WHERE: All of southeast LA and southern Mississippi.
CONFIDENCE:
- Cold Temperatures: We are very confident that very cold temps and wind chills will occur Monday through Thursday and prolonged temperatures at or below freezing will occur for much of the area.
- Winter Precipitation: Confidence in the potential for any frozen precipitation continues to increase, with a winter storm watch in effect. Confidence is lower on how far south winter precipitation will occur over coastal SE LA, however ice could be a greater concern in these locations.
Impacts:
Winter Precipitation:
- There is a high chance (70-90% probability) of seeing at least moderate impacts from accumulating snow for most of the area.
- Additionally, ice probabilities have increased across mainly coastal SE LA. Despite higher probabilities, total accumulation is still forecast less than 0.10″ in these locations that could bring minor impacts.
- Expect rapid accumulations of ice/snow on all roads as wintry precipitation arrives, especially elevated roads, as they will already be cold.
- Additionally, we may only be able to get above freezing temperatures on Wednesday for a short time. However, shady areas (especially along eastbound lanes of Interstates 12 and 10, etc.) will hold on to the ice/snow longer, and these areas will likely still be impassable/hazardous for driving Wednesday into possibly into Thursday morning
Cold Temperatures:
- Extended duration of freezing (and hard freeze) conditions are expected for 4 consecutive nights next week.
- It is emphasized to protect the 4 P’s during the several days of cold weather:
- People: Check on the elderly & other vulnerable people to make sure they are adequately prepared.
- Pets: Keep your pets warm, indoors if possible. Ensure they have food and unfrozen water
- Pipes: Insulate pipes, open up sink cabinets and disconnect hoses.
- Plants: Cover sensitive vegetation, or bring inside if possible.
Wind Chills:
- Wind chills in the single digits (along and north of I-10/12) and teens (south of I-10/12) are forecast and can lead to hypothermia rapidly for those without warm shelter.
