Louisiana Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
A winter storm watch is now in effect for much of south Louisiana from Monday night through Tuesday. Accumulating snow is expected north of Interstate 10, while ice could form in southern parts of the state. The wind chill Monday morning is predicted to be in the teens and low 20s.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Saturday in anticipation of a winter storm set to affect Louisiana early next week, with snow expected in some areas.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings for the state, effective Monday through Thursday. The governor’s declaration facilitates state-level assistance to support local parishes as they respond to the storm's potential impact.
“Ensuring the safety of Louisianans is our top priority,” Landry said. “I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm, and I urge everyone to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and prepare for any possible effects.”
A winter storm watch is now in effect for much of south Louisiana from Monday night through Tuesday. Accumulating snow is expected north of Interstate 10, while ice could form in southern parts of the state. The wind chill Monday morning is predicted to be in the teens and low 20s.
Officials are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves, their pets, plants, and exposed plumbing during the cold snap. Multiple hard freezes are possible through Thursday, particularly in areas north of I-10 and west of Lake Pontchartrain, as well as on the lake’s south shore Wednesday morning.
In response to the storm, most schools and colleges in the affected areas have canceled classes for Tuesday, extending the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages contributed to the closures, which have also affected some businesses.
Residents are encouraged to download the "Get a Game Plan" app to stay informed about emergency planning and response efforts in the state.
