Baton Rouge Schools, Agencies Prepare for Potential Closures as Snowstorm Approaches
The storm is anticipated to bring hazardous conditions, including icy roads and bridges, which could cause disruptions to daily life. In response, local schools and public agencies are closely monitoring the weather and making plans for possible closures.
Baton Rouge residents are preparing for a potential snowstorm expected to impact the area on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service forecasting snow and freezing temperatures. The storm is anticipated to bring hazardous conditions, including icy roads and bridges, which could cause disruptions to daily life. In response, local schools and public agencies are closely monitoring the weather and making plans for possible closures. Officials are also preparing for potential power outages and challenging travel conditions, urging residents to take precautions and stay informed about any service interruptions or changes to schedules.
School Closures Expected
With the forecast predicting snow and freezing temperatures, East Baton Rouge Parish School District has announced that all schools will be closed Tuesday. The district, which is already closed on Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, stated that remote learning will not take place on Tuesday. "Given the likelihood of hazardous conditions and power outages, we will not require remote learning," the district said.
Louisiana State University (LSU) will close its physical campus on Tuesday, though classes will continue remotely at the discretion of individual instructors. LSU’s residence halls and dining services will remain open but with adjusted hours. The University Laboratory School and LSU’s Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool will also be closed. Southern University in Baton Rouge will close its campus and move to remote learning for the day.
City-Parish Offices to Close
East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards issued a parish-wide Emergency Disaster Declaration on Friday, allowing local agencies to activate emergency response plans and request additional resources if needed. As part of the preparations, all city parish offices and state offices will be closed on Tuesday.
Road Safety Concerns
In addition to school and office closures, local authorities are taking steps to address potential road hazards caused by the snowstorm. The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging residents to stay home if possible. "We’re expecting freezing temperatures to last through Friday," said Clay Rives, director of the office. "If you don’t need to travel, please stay off the roads."
The city-parish Department of Public Works has been pre-staging barricades at overpasses and bridges and applying salt to prevent ice buildup. Fred Raiford, director of Public Works, emphasized that the best course of action is to avoid driving if it’s not necessary.
DOTD Monitoring State Bridges
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is also preparing for the storm. Crews are monitoring state bridges and will apply salt as needed to keep them clear of ice. DOTD communications director Rodney Mallett noted that while roads typically do not ice over in Louisiana, bridges are particularly vulnerable. "We’re focusing on the bridges and will salt them as needed," Mallett said. "If conditions worsen, we will close bridges for safety."
Stay Informed
As the snowstorm approaches, residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest closures and safety information. Local agencies, including the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, recommend visiting RedStickReady.com for real-time updates. With freezing temperatures and snow expected, Baton Rouge is preparing for a possible major disruption, with schools and public agencies taking necessary precautions to protect the community.
