Snow, sleet and freezing rain is once again falling across the northern half of the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is somewhat reminiscent of the last hurricane season, back-to-back systems hitting the state, but instead of a month apart its days apart…
cut 11 (11)”…for it”
Less than an inch of snow is epected to fall in Shreveport, Minden and Monroe, but the forecast calls for over a quarter of an inch of ice and periods of freezing rain will also fall in Cenla and light freezing rain is also possible in southwest Louisiana this morning.

It’s another cold morning in southeast Louisiana. So how is the strawberry crop doing? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers should be able to salvage berries…
cut 15 (09) “…forward”

This historic deep freeze has state Wildlife and Fisheries officials worried about large scale fish kills. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Today is Ash Wednesday one of the biggest days of the year for certain religions. Church attendance has suffered during the pandemic, but LSU Religious Studies Professor Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) expects physical attendance at houses of worship to bounce back…
cut 6 (08) “….can”

Last year’s Ash Wednesday was one of the last major religious holidays celebrated before the pandemic struck. Matt Doyle spoke with an expert about how COVID has impacted the religious community since then…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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This historic deep freeze has Wildlife and Fisheries officials worried about the possibility of fishkills in vulnerable populations. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The second punch of a winter storm this week is about to cross the state, and you can trace its origins off the Louisiana coastline. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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It’s Ash Wednesday and many Catholics across Louisiana are reflecting on a year of worship under the New Normal.  

Ash Wednesday is one of the more prominent Catholic holidays and LSU Religious Studies Professor Michael Pasquier says despite public health limits on church capacity…

Cut 4 (07)“…do that.”

Many churches are offering drive through blessing services today.

Some in the religious community expressed concerns the state ordered limits or earlier closures of churches pushed people out of the faith, but Pasquier says…

Cut 5 (10)“…services.”

Despite the popularity and ease of virtual services Pasquier expects physical attendance at houses of worship to bounce back strongly once the pandemic ends.  

Cut 6 (08) “…can.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning of the potential for fish kills resulting from this historic cold spell we’re in.

Office of Fisheries Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says anytime the temperature drops to near or below freezing for an extended period of time, vulnerable species are put at risk.

Cut 7 (08)  “…small.”

Banks says the fish kills can appear just days after a freezing event but many times can take a week or more to start floating to the surface.

Inland freshwater ponds and waters are not expected to be at risk, but Banks says fishing living in coastal marsh areas with shallow waters are at risk right now.

Cut 8 (09) “…kills.”

Banks says redfish, black drum, and white trout are at risk, along with one of the most popular species…

Cut 9 (10) “…biomass.”

If you spot a kill please contact LDWF with the details.

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The wintery mix the Bayou State received at the beginning of the week will serve as a genesis for a second system that will eventually move up the east coast. But according to State Climatologist Barry Keim before it exits the state it will leave its mark with lots of rain in the southern half of the state.

Cut 10 (11) “…morning.”

Keim says for north Louisiana its somewhat reminiscent of hurricane season last year with back-to-back systems hitting the state, but instead of a month apart its days apart.

Cut 11 (11) “…for it.”

Once this second-round wintery precipitation leaves the state on Thursday and eventually becomes a Nor’easter, Keim says don’t put away your winter coat away yet.

Cut 12 (06) “…the weekend.”

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While the cold may be affecting road, pipes, plants and pets, there is one thing it’s not damaging and that’s crawfish. While the cold temperatures do cause the crustaceans to go into almost a dormant-like state and bury themselves deep in the water, Ag Commission Mike Strain says it’s alarming.

Cut 13 (09) “…pattern.”

As the state’s strawberry crop, Strain says if farmers took precautions ahead of the storm it shouldn’t jeopardize the state fruit.

Cut 14 (10) “…bounce back.” 

Strain says if the freeze did reach the strawberry crops most likely it’s only done only external damage to the plant and farmers should be able to salvage berries.

Cut 15 (09)“…forward.”

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Many major throughways are still closed across Louisiana as the deep freeze continues. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

For up to date road closures you can visit 511LA-dot-org and if you are in a traffic related accident or need to notify state police of a dangerous situation dial star LSP. And Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne announces state offices will be closed tomorrow. This applies to nonessential employees including those authorized to work from home.

This winter weather has been responsible for at least three deaths in Louisiana. a 50-year old man slipped on the ice in Carencro and died of a head injury Monday. And Lafayette Police Sergeant Wayne Griffin says 74-year-old Mary Guillory died after leaving a residence at around 1 AM this morning…

Cut 7 (07) “…extreme weather condition”

It’s believed she suffers from dementia. In Shreveport, The Hope House, which is a homeless day shelter, says a homeless man died last night as he was found in single-digit temperatures slumped over a brick wall.

Another winter storm warning kicks into effect tonight for much of north Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist C-S Ross in Shreveport says an ice storm is on its way…
cut 11 (10) “….developing”
South Louisiana will see mostly rain tomorrow morning.

New daily record low temperatures were set this morning across the state, headlined by an absolutely frigid one degree low recorded in Shreveport-Bossier. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist C.S. Ross says the previous record low was 20 degrees for February 16th.
Cut 9 (06) “…years ago.”
Ross says Monroe also set a record low temp this morning at 16 degrees this morning, the previous record was 25 degrees for the day and Lake Charles set a new low with 16 degrees.
Unfortunately, it appears this winter storm is responsible for killing three Louisianans. One occurred in Shreveport and Governor Edwards says two occurred in Lafayette Parish. One was a tragic slip and fall…
Cut 6 (09) “…very tragic.”
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A number of major throughways across the state will remain shuttered tonight. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and other elevated portions of I-10 and 12 may take a while to thaw out…
Cut 3 (12) “….open”
Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiate rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins says the blackouts are due to this historic winter storm and freeze.
Cut 12 (08) “ …for us.”
Entergy is asking customers to reduce power consumption by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees, open drapes when the sun is shining, don’t allow warm air to leave your home, and delay dish and laundry wash loads until further notice.

The winter storm is responsible for at least three deaths, two in Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

In Shreveport, Hope House, a day shelter for the homeless, posted on Facebook one of their frequent visitors was found frozen to death Monday night.  Hope House has not posted the man’s name, pending notification of relatives. The shelter stated that they were sadden, angry and confused that there is not more help during emergency weather conditions.

Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiate rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins it’s a drastic move but says these record low temperatures have forced their hand.  

Cut 13 (10)“…grid”

The blackouts will last for an undetermined amount of time.  

Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says for the most up-to-date information on the status of state roads visit 5-1-1-LA-Dot-Org, or…

Cut 5  (09)  “…get out.” 

Many major throughways are still closed across Louisiana as the deep freeze continues. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

The winter storm is responsible for at least three deaths, two of the fatalities occurred in Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Hope House in Shreveport which is a homeless shelter says a homeless man died last night as he was found in single-digit temperatures slumped over a brick wall.

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Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze.

Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in south Louisiana many interstates are still closed, like the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and parts of I-10 and 12 in Baton Rouge…

Cut 3 (12)  “….open” 

Crews are out working in Baton Rouge to try and open those crucial routes.

Up in the Shreveport-Bossier and Monroe areas Mallet says the consistently cold temperatures produced a different set of problems.

Cut 4 (11) “..impassable” 

Mallet says for the most up-to-date information on the status of state roads vist 5-1-1-LA-Dot-Org, or…

Cut 5  (09)  “…get out.” 

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This history-making winter weather has been responsible for at least three deaths in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says both fatalities took place in Lafayette Parish.

Cut 6 (09) “…very tragic.”

The other death occurred in the city of Lafayette. Lafayette Police Sergeant Wayne Griffin says 74-year-old Mary Guillory died after leaving a residence at around 1 AM this morning…

Cut 7 (07) “…extreme weather condition”

Guillory may have suffered from dementia.

Governor John Bel Edwards is also concerned about more deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning as people without power use generators to keep the heater on

Cut 8 (12) “…garage.”

The Hope House in Shreveport which is a homeless shelter says a homeless man died last night as he was found in single-digit temperatures slumped over a brick wall.

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The winter storm allowed for new record low temperatures to be set. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist C.S. Ross says the mercury in Shreveport dropped to one degree today. The previous record low was 20 degrees for February 16th.

Cut 9 (06) “…years ago.”

Ross says Monroe also set a record low temp this morning at 16 degrees this morning, the previous record was 25 degrees for the day and Lake Charles set a new low with 16 degrees.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like temps will get above freezing for the area and help melt any of the frozen precipitation.

By late this evening Ross says sleet and snow will sweep across north Louisiana bringing another round of dicey weather for the area.

Cut 10 (11) “…problems.” 

While the majority of power outages Monday and Tuesday were in the southern part of the state due to ice and sleet, Ross says this second round of winter weather could create outages in north Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…developing.”

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Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiate rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins says the blackouts are due to this historic winter storm and freeze.  

Cut 12 (08) “ …for us.” 

MISO is in charge of the power grid for the region.  

It’s a drastic move but Hawkins says these record low temperatures have forced their hand.  

Cut 13 (10)“…grid”

The blackouts will last for an undetermined amount of time.  

Cut 14 (09) “…possible”

Entergy is asking customers to reduce power consumption by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees, open drapes when the sun is shining, don’t allow warm air to leave your home, and delay dish and laundry wash loads until further notice. 

Many major throughways are still closed across Louisiana as the deep freeze continues. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”

Another winter storm warning kicks into effect tonight for much of north Louisiana. National Weather Service Meterologist C-S Ross in Shreveport says an ice storm is on its way…
cut 11 (10) “….developing”
South Louisiana will see rain tomorrow morning.

This brutal winter weather has claimed two lives so far in Louisiana. Both fatalities took place in Lafayette Parish. Authorities say 74-year-old Mary Guillory died from the extreme weather conditions after she wandered about in the neighborhood. Guillory may have have suffered from dementia. And a 50-year-old man slipped on the ice and died from a head injury Monday in the Carencro area. Governor Edwards is also concerned about more deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning as people without power use generators to keep the heater on…
Cut 8 (12) “…or a garage”

And Entergy says there’s the potential for rolling blockouts because of the demand on energy. Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins says the blackouts will last for an undetermined amount of time…
cut 14 (09) “…possible”
Entergy is asking customers to reduce their power consumption by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees.

This history-making winter weather has been responsible for at least two deaths in Louisiana so far. Governor John Bel Edwards says both fatalities took place in Lafayette Parish.

Cut 6 (07) “..very tragic”

The other death occurred in the city of Lafayette. Lafayette Police Sergeant Wayne Griffin says 74-year-old Mary Guillory died after leaving a residence at around 1 AM this morning…

Cut 7 (11) “…extreme weather condition.”

Guillory may have suffered from dementia.

Edwards also urged residents to practice generator safety to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. During the 2020 Hurricane season several fatalities occurred due to being overcome by carbon monoxide.

Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiative rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana.   

Entergy spokesperson John Hawkins says the blackouts are due to this historic winter storm and freeze.  

Cut 12 (08) “ …for us” 

MISO is in charge of the power grid for the region.  

Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the Shreveport-Bossier and Monroe areas Mallet says the consistently cold temperatures produced a different set of problems.

Cut 4 (11) “..impassable” 

And crews are out and about in the Baton Rouge area trying to open crucial routes.

Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says for the most up-to-date information on the status of state roads visit 5-1-1-LA-Dot-Org, or…

Cut 5  (09)  “…get out.” 

National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist C.S. Ross says the mercury in Shreveport dropped to one degree today. The previous record low was 20 for February 16^th and Monroe dropped to 16 degrees, the record before was 25.  Ross says sleet and snow will sweep across north Louisiana late tonight bringing another round of dicey weather for the area.

Cut 10 (11) “…problems.” 

The winter storm is responsible for at least two deaths, both in Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The department of health will not release COVID numbers today due to the holiday.