There are now eight people confirmed dead in the winter storm, after the state health department confirmed five additional fatalities today. Five people died of hypothermia, an elderly DeSoto Parish man died of carbon monoxide poisoning, a 79-year-old DeSoto Parish woman died after her oxygen concentrator failed as a result of no power, and a Texas man died while driving on icy roads in Mansfield.
Governor Landry wants people in north Louisiana to do these two things.
Cut 9 (09) “…supplemental heat.”
Landry spoke in Monroe today after taking a tour of some of the destruction the ice storm has caused in that city. Mayor Friday Ellis says once the ice melts away, the clean-up will be extensive.
DOTD is echoing Governor Landry’s sentiments in asking those of you in North Louisiana to stay off the roads today – especially I-20, where scores of 18-wheelers have stalled out. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says those stalled 18-wheelers are making some sections of I-20 nearly impassable, in some cases stranding people in frigid conditions for hours.
Volunteers with the United Cajun Navy are pitching in with supplies and a helping hand throughout north Louisiana and north Mississippi. Founder and President Todd Terrell says when essential personnel have no way to get to and from their respective facilities, his volunteers are ready to help with their four-wheel-drive vehicles.