Major roads are still closed across the state today as one of the the most severe icing events in recent memory grinds Louisiana travel to a halt…:
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Entergy is asking customers to voluntarily reduce electricity usage this morning, because it’s possible the grids won’t be able to handle the higher than expected demand which would result in forced outages. They say this is due to the extended cold temperature period. Recommendations include keeping thermostats at or below 68, delay bathing and doing clothes or dishes until later today, and don’t let warm air escape your home.

Louisiana continues to suffer through its worst flu season on record, with nearly 10 in 100 doctors visits in the last month for influenza related symptoms. Frank Welch, medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Program, says he hasn’t seen this in his 20 year tenure:
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Welch says complications from the flu kills roughly 700 Louisianans a year.

Cold temperatures claimed the life of a man in New Roads early Wednesday. Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Bud Torres says they were notified by a neighbor that 84-year-old Paul Maker was found dead due to hypothermia in his home. He says the couple chose not to heat their home Tuesday night:
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Maker’s wife was sent to the hospital and is expected to survive.