Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state’s plan for spending the first round of feral flood recovery dollars has been sent to HUD for approval. He says the first $438 million will go to help the elderly and disabled, but he understands all flood victims need assistance.

Cut 24 (12) “…in Louisiana”

Edwards says the second round of money will go to home and business owners and renters.

It was a frigid night around the Bayou State, and forecasters say today won’t be much warmer. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service says Shreveport got down to 19 degrees, and other areas of the state were even colder.  He says don’t expect things to warm up much as the day goes on.

Cut 23 (08) “…get colder”

This weekend, South Louisiana could see some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen since 2015. That’s according to Christopher Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell, who says wind chill advisories have been posted.

Cut 8 (08) “Baton Rouge Area”

Bannan says winter weather advisories are also in effect for many parishes.

With so many people staying indoors because of the weather, state Fire Marshal Butch Browning warns residents to be careful when heating their homes. He says people should never use their stove or oven to heat their home, and always monitor space heaters.

Cut 14 (10) “on fire”

Browning also urges people to make sure their smoke detectors are working properly.