At this hour, about 120-thousand customers remain without power throughout the state. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says while no one likes living without power, the public understands Mother Nature has produced a difficult situation for Entergy, SWEPCO, Cleco and all of the power companies working around the clock to get the power restored.

Cut 8 (13) “…up here.”

USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn is among those without power in his home. Amid his shivering, Hilburn says most people are taking state and local officials’ advice and are staying home.

Cut 10 (12) “…they are doing.”

The precipitation has moved out of Louisiana, and none is expected for the next several days. But Rodney Mallett with DOTD says especially those of you in North Louisiana still need to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways.

Cut 3 (07) “…dangerous driving conditions.”

Nowhere is that more evident than on westbound I-20, where stalled 18-wheelers had caused massive backups today.

If you have some extra time on your hands, the Red Cross could use your help. Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, is putting out a statewide call for volunteers.

Cut 13 (12)  “…ready to go.”

Training only takes a couple of hours, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Despite the efforts of utility crews, more than 123-thousand customers statewide remain without power at this hour. Ouachita Parish leads the pack by a mile with more than 47-thousand in the dark. Michael Corbin with SWEPCO says especially given the dangerous road conditions, crews worked quickly and efficiently throughout the weekend in getting power restored as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (11)  “…people so quickly.”

With brutally cold temperatures gripping the state, fire officials are very concerned that people are going to resort to creative – and dangerous – methods to heat their homes. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says do not try to use your oven to warm up your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it’s out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…fire as well.”

According to a conservative columnist, it’s not a slam dunk that Julia Letlow will win the Republican U.S. Senate primary just because she has the backing of President Trump. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Letlow is not the only Louisiana candidate to earn Trump’s endorsement. Trump has given his endorsement to Congressman Clay Higgins for his re-election bid in the state’s Third Congressional District. Higgins is in his fifth terms in the House and has thus far not drawn a primary challenger. Tia LeBrun is running as a Democrat in the heavily Republican district.

According to a conservative columnist, it’s not a slam dunk that Julia Letlow will win the Republican U.S. Senate primary just because she has the backing of President Trump. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If it seems like you’re paying up the nose in sales taxes, the Tax Foundation says you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Amid very cold temperatures, the state fire marshal’s office is concerned we’ll see a rash of house fires because of people trying to stay warm. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Does President Trump’s endorsement of Julia Letlow make her the favorite to win the U.S. Senate Republican Primary over incumbent Bill Cassidy? Advocate newspaper columnist Tyler Bridges says this will be Letlow’s first tough political race.

Cut 4 (07) “…the money yet.”

Letlow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a 2021 special election to replace her husband Luke, who died of COVID-19 complications before he took office. She easily won re-election in 2022 and 2024.

Quin Hillyer, a conservative columnist for the Advocate, says Letlow will not only face attacks from Cassidy, but also from two of the other major candidates in the race — John Fleming and Blake Miguez.

Cut 5 (12) “…against Julia Letlow.”

The closed party primary is May 16th, with the runoff scheduled for June 27th. Following Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, Cassidy said endorsements will not decide the race; instead, the voters will select the candidate with the best record. Bridges says it will be interesting to see if Cassidy’s strategy will work.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the Senate.”

Bridges and Hillyer were guests on Talk Louisiana, hosted by Jim Engster on WRKF.

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If it seems like you’re forking over a lot of money in sales taxes, you’re right. In fact, the Tax Foundation says Louisiana has the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country at just over ten-percent. Policy Analyst Janelle Fritts says it’s a reputation that Louisiana has had to deal with for many years.

Cut 7 (11) “…close with Tennessee.”

Fritts says while Tennessee’s combined state and local taxes are the second highest at just over nine and a half percent, Tennessee has a huge difference compared to Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…the major taxes.”

While Louisiana did raise its state sales tax rate to five-percent a little more than a year ago, it did reduce income taxes across the board to a flat three-percent and cut other taxes as well. Fritts says that has allowed Louisiana to improve its ranking in overall tax burden.

Cut 9 (11)  “…used to be.”

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At least 12 people have died this year in house fires, and officials are concerned that number will increase over the next couple of days as people try to stay warm. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says when using a space heater, keep it away from anything that can easily catch fire.

Cut 10 (10) “…you stay warm.”

Adams says do not try to use your oven to warm up your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it’s out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…fire as well.”

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***Double check the latest numbers***

Throughout the weekend, utility crews statewide have been busy restoring power that got knocked out by the ice storm. As of late last night, more than 80-thousand Entergy customers were without power, and almost 30-thousand SWEPCO customers remained in the dark. Michael Corbin with SWEPCO says crews are working around the clock to get power restored.

Cut 12 (06) “…if not sooner.”

Corbin says at the height of the storm, SWEPCO had about 70-thousand customers without power in its three-state service area, with the majority being from Louisiana. He says especially given the dangerous road conditions, crews worked quickly and efficiently in getting power restored as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (11)  “…people so quickly.”

SWEPCO is establishing a base camp in Natchitoches today, which is its hardest-hit area. The base camp will provide fuel service for trucks and will provide meals, laundry and sleeping quarters for about 600 workers.

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The winter precipitation has moved out of north Louisiana, the heavy rainfall in south Louisiana has moved on, and the bitterly cold air has arrived. Wind chill readings are below zero in north Louisiana and in the single digits for south Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be frigid all day today.

Cut 14 (15) “…degree or two.”

Keim says high temperatures will not get above freezing until Tuesday for north Louisiana, and we’ll see a slight warm-up as the week goes on.

Cut 15 (08) “…I-10, I-12.”

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The 2026 LSU baseball team returns four starting position players from last season. Among them is sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel. This offseason, Curiel added over 20 pounds of muscle and is now at 192 pounds. Head Coach Jay Johnson says the transformation will allow Curiel to elevate his game.

Cut 16 (17) “…really excited.”

Another key returner is sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide. Last year, Arrambide hit four home runs with 14 RBI in 62 at-bats. Johnson believes Arrambide is going to be an essential piece to this year’s team.

Cut 17 (20)  “…offense and defense.”

LSU has had great success when bringing in transfer pitchers over Johnson’s tenure, including Paul Skenes, Anthony Eyanson, Gage Jump and Luke Holman. This year, the Tigers brought in junior right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore from Kansas.

Cut 18 (14)  “…really successful here.”

The ice storm of 2026 has arrived in Louisiana and will continue working its way south throughout the day. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin tells us what we can expect from this storm as the day goes on.

Cut 19 (24) “…to fall”

And the road closures are starting to build up. Those of you near Shreveport and Bossier City, I-49 is closed in both directions between I-20 and 3132; northbound traffic is being diverted at 526. Several ramps onto and off of I-20 are also closed. Download the 511 mobile app to stay up to date on road conditions in your area.

With road conditions deteriorating throughout the day today, Governor Landry is urging you to stay home this weekend.

Cut 20 (28) “…the roads”

If you need to stay warm at home, don’t resort to creative techniques to do so. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says do not try to use your oven to heat your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it is out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

We’re keeping a close eye on this major winter storm that’s coming through Louisiana this weekend. At this hour, far north Louisiana is being hit with freezing rain – all along the I-20 corridor from Shreveport to Monroe. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says those of you a little further south aren’t feeling the effects of this – yet.

Cut (17) “…early afternoon hours.”

Speaking of the I-20 corridor, we’re starting to see several closures – mainly certain on-ramps, off-ramps and overpasses. Remember, bridges freeze much faster than surface streets. You can get the latest information on the 511 mobile app. If you don’t have to be out on the roadways, please stay off them.

If power is knocked out where you live, it could be several days before it can be restored. Do know, however, that crews are working feverishly and around the clock to get it restored as quickly as possible. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says like all other utility companies throughout the state, Entergy is bringing in extra personnel to restore power.

Cut 6 (10) “…safely as possible.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Public Service Commission, says if you encounter a downed powerline, do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to do anything.”

And again, you can help utility crews get to wherever they need to go safely and as quickly as they can by staying off the roads.

Those of you in north Louisiana could be in for cabin fever, as this ice storm could trap you indoors all weekend long. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…Jeff Palermo.”

While North Louisiana will be in for dangerous storms and the New Orleans area will be a little too warm for there to be any danger, the Baton Rouge area is right on the line. The winter storm watch does extend to the Capitol region, so those of you in that area should monitor conditions carefully.

Utility crews throughout the state are in position ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out by the ice storm. Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says icy roads will make the response much trickier, so you can do your part by staying off the roads.

Cut 3 (10) “…into those areas.”

And while the precipitation will be over by Sunday, the start of the work week will be brutally cold, even for standards in areas much farther north of here – lows in the teens for north Louisiana, and upper teens for south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says to help protect outdoor plants from the extreme cold, make sure they’re thoroughly watered.

Cut 12 (09) “…start to drop.”

Much of the state is bracing for the ice storm of 2026. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s currently a stalled cold front in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Cut 7 (13) “…at the surface.”

Keim says that creates the perfect environment for wintry precipitation – normally snow; but in this case, it will be in the form of freezing rain. Keim says the northern half of Louisiana could see up to an inch and a half of ice, more than enough to rip down limbs and powerlines and transform roads into skating rinks.

If you’re in an affected area, Rodney Mallett with DOTD is urging you to stay off the roads this weekend.

Cut 11 (11) “…on ice.”

Utility crews throughout the state are in position ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out by the ice storm. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says like all other utility companies throughout the state, Entergy is bringing in extra personnel.

Cut 6 (10) “…safely as possible.”

As if this weekend’s ice storm wasn’t enough, the start of next week will be brutally cold by anyone’s standards, not just Louisiana’s – in the teens and possibly single digits in north Louisiana and in the upper teens or low 20s in south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says if you have shrubs and plants that were planted in the last two years, cover them now before the cold arrives.

Cut 13 (10)  “…insulation.”

If you’re married, I hope you’re on good terms with your spouse, because you’re very likely going to be spending all weekend together holed up inside your home. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…Jeff Palermo.”

While north Louisiana is certain to be plagued by icy conditions and the New Orleans area will be a little too warm to be in any danger, Baton Rouge is somewhat in the middle. The winter storm watch does extend as far southeast as Baton Rouge; forecasters are urging people in the area to keep a close eye on conditions.

Utility crews have been preparing for the ice storm. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says Entergy crews have been working to minimize power outages by cutting back branches from powerlines.

Cut 5 (10) “…they do break.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says if you encounter a downed powerline, do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to do anything.”

Utility companies say the very best thing you can do to help them is to stay off the roads altogether, so that you can keep them clear so that they can get to wherever they need to go to fix whatever needs to be fixed to get the power turned back on.

A powerful winter storm will arrive in Louisiana later today. The biggest threat is the ice that this storm will bring with north Louisiana getting the brunt of it. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 8 (13) “…see something”

A quarter inch or more of freezing rain and ice is expected to form on Louisiana roads between the I-20 corridor and the Arkansas border. Road closures are likely with this event.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says travelers can find information regarding road closures by downloading the 511 mobile app or visiting the 511 Traveler information website….

Cut 10 (08) “…points north.”

With the ice storm’s imminent arrival, utility crews are ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Republican state lawmaker Julie Emerson has dropped out of the U-S Senate race. Emerson says with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s entrance into the race, the path to victory that was visible a couple months ago has diminished. Emerson also says she respects President Trump’s decision to endorse Letlow in the race.

The ice storm of 2026 is coming. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says icy roads will make the response much trickier, so you can do your part by staying off the roads.

Cut 3 (10) “…into those areas.”

The state department of transportation says it has field crews ready to begin pre-treating roads and bridges. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says they’re closely monitoring the forecast and prepared to close certain bridges and overpasses that are deemed impassable.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is going to be.”

Not only will it be unbearable to be outside this weekend, but bitterly cold temperatures are in the forecast for early next week. Lows in the teens for north Louisiana early and low 20s, upper teens for south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says to help protect outdoor plants from the extreme cold, make sure they’re thoroughly watered.

Cut 12 (09) “…start to drop.”