PM LRN Newscall Jan 12

Forecasters say an artic blast will invade the Bayou State Sunday into Wednesday. Teiko Foxx has more.

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As Louisiana prepares for the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in years. Colleen Crain has some reminders for preparing your automobile…

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The National Weather Service urges Louisianans to prepare for the coldest weather the state has seen in years by Sunday, temperatures in the low teens north of I-20. Shreveport Meteorologist Carly Kovacik says the cold front will drop temperatures across the state.

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Kovacik says snow, sleet, and freezing rain can not be ruled out for the I-20 corridor on Monday. By Tuesday morning, she says not much change in peak temperatures are expected…

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By the end of next week, temperatures will start to warm into the 50s. With winter ending in March, she says don’t put away those coats just yet.

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A basketball game turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says it happened but before 9 pm during the game against Covington.

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Knight says after multiple gunshots the suspects fled the scene. As for a motive, investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

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Police say they do not have any suspects at this time and they are asking for the public’s help. Knight says they believe the two victims were together and the shooting happened near a car that was in a parking lot located outside of a fence near the school.

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(The deceased male victim was 14, and the 13-year-old male victim was shot in the leg)

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Pipes and pets are on our minds as frigid weather heads toward the Bayou State but we should also be preparing our autos for the freezing temperatures. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says to make sure you’re not stranded with a dead car battery…

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Redman says your mechanic and some auto parts stores can check your battery’s health for you.

Batteries that are 3 years old or older are at risk of failing in extreme temperatures, says Redman. Other signs of a weak battery include slow or sluggish starting and dim interior lights or headlights. Redman says a dead battery isn’t the only thing that could leave you stranded.

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Redman says don’t get caught with a flat spare. Check it out before the weather turns cold.

Redman also says it’s time to check the fluids in your vehicle. Wiper fluid should be winter-appropriate and anti-freeze is especially important. If you find it low, it’s important to remember…

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Your mechanic or auto parts store can recommend the appropriate fluids for your vehicle

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With a deep freeze in the forecast, you’ll want to be sure to protect your tropical plants. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says if they are in containers move them indoors like a garage or your porch. But if those tropical plants are in the ground…

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Also during the day, Kirk-Ballard says to cover the plants with plastic, a sheet, or a frost cloth so they can trap in the heat from the day.

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These are all things you can do to protect your citrus and fig trees that are planted in the ground.

As for your other plants, she recommends using mulch as an insulator to protect your perennials.

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Kirk-Ballard says your shrubs and other trees should be able to weather the deep freeze.

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