Louisiana Declares Emergency as Arctic Blast Looms

Louisiana has officially declared a state of emergency as an arctic blast is set to sweep across the state. The coldest temperatures are anticipated from Sunday night into Monday morning and will persist into Monday night through Tuesday morning.

Emergency Declaration and Preparedness Measures

Governor Jeff Landry initiated this emergency declaration to facilitate the state’s access to vital resources as the severe weather approaches. The emergency operations center is now fully operational, with crews on standby to tackle any arising issues.

Forecast for Severe Cold

According to Fox 8 Meteorologist Zach Fradella, southeast Louisiana should brace for dangerously low temperatures rather than ice. Freezing rain will primarily affect areas north of the region, while the focus in southeast Louisiana will be on conditions severe enough to cause pipe bursts early next week.

• Temperatures are expected to plunge to the 20s, with some areas hitting the teens.
• The cold snap is predicted to extend beyond a single occurrence, with multiple cold mornings likely next week.

Resident Preparations

Officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to safeguard against the impending cold. They recommend adhering to the four P’s: protect plants, pets, people, and pipes.

• Local plumbing experts advise letting faucets trickle and monitoring exposed pipes.
• Many homeowners faced costly plumbing issues after neglecting to safeguard their pipes during last year’s historic snowstorm.
• Residents should bring pets indoors if they lack a warm shelter and cover outdoor plants or move them inside where possible.

Transportation Readiness

The Department of Transportation is actively preparing salt mixtures and is equipped to close roadways, elevated roads, and bridges if necessary. Although southeast Louisiana is not expected to encounter icy conditions, travelers heading to other parts of the state should remain vigilant about possible road closures over the weekend.

As the arctic blast approaches Louisiana, residents are encouraged to stay informed and check on neighbors and family during this cold weather crisis.