New all time record lows were set this morning. National Weather Service Meteorologist Stacey Denson says single digit temperature readings were recorded across southwest Louisiana…

Cut 3 (13) “…in Lafayette.” 

Denson says they are still finalizing snowfall totals, but a large portion of southwest Louisiana saw more than a half foot of snow…

Roads are so treacherous today that if you must drive on them, it seems that the only safe way to do so would be to commandeer a Zamboni machine. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says some areas might not get above freezing today.

Cut 12 (07) “…of the day.”

Overnight lows will once again dip into the teens; but after that, temperatures will work their way back up to normal.

The American Red Cross is supporting 35 warming centers across 30 parishes as brutally cold temperatures continue to grip the state for one more day. Micah Nicholas, the executive director of the Capital West chapter of the American Red Cross, says the Red Cross’ work goes far beyond the warming centers themselves.

Cut 6 (13) “…as they arise.”

This arctic blast will mean that crawfish will be in short supply this weekend. LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says farmers are putting in a lot of effort to bring crawfish to the market; and despite this winter storm, they are still predicting a better crawfish season this year…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the catch.”

We’re experiencing cold weather like never before. Temperatures in South Louisiana plunged overnight into the single digits, breaking all-time records. It’s going to be another brutally cold day today, with temperatures in many areas barely getting above freezing, if it does at all. Micah Nicholas, the executive director of the Capital West chapter of the American Red Cross, says the organization is supporting 35 warming centers across 30 parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…disaster to them.”

There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel. We’re in for one more night of brutally cold temperatures across the state. But LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin (JACK-quim-in) says things will start to get back to normal before a very mild weekend.

Cut 18 (10)   “…60s on Sunday.”

Yesterday was not just a sneaux day, it was a day where lifelong memories were made. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This arctic blast will mean crawfish will be in short supply at least this weekend. LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the mudbugs will bury themselves as deep into the mud as they can…

Cut 7 (11) “…of crawfish.”

Road conditions outside are bad right now, and they’re only going to get worse. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says on some roadways, you can’t see the curb or edge of the street or the highway…

Cut 9 (12)  “…not easy.”

As such, try to stay off the roads tonight if you possibly can. If you absolutely have to be on the roads, please adjust the way you normally drive so that you can get from point A to point B in one piece. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says not only do you need to greatly reduce your speed, you’ll also need to adjust the way you come to a stop.

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot farther.”

And if you start skidding, stay calm, steer into the skid and drive off after you’ve regained your traction.

With conditions outside continuing to deteriorate, state officials are urging you to just stay home, not just this evening and tomorrow, but Thursday as well. Governor Landry has ordered state offices to remain closed through Thursday. If cabin fever starts getting the best of you, Landry has a suggestion for how you can fill the time.

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

Temperatures will dip into the teens overnight and will only get into the high 30s or low 40s tomorrow before another overnight of teens. If these brutal temperatures are too much for you to handle, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says take solace in the fact that they will return to normal by this weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…in certain locations.”

It’s a winter storm that the state has not seen in some 60 years. By the time all is said and done, some areas could be buried under as many as six inches of snow. On the rare occasion that it snows in South Louisiana, the snow may stick to the ground for maybe a few hours. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this time however, it will linger for a few days. That’s because overnight lows will be bone-chillingly cold.

Cut 4 (10) “…but still frigid.”

GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams says it’s best to hunker down and stay at home – and make sure your house can handle these cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…covered.”

In fact, the state is keeping state offices closed both tomorrow and Thursday.

Louisiana’s highway system is no match for this historic winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Enforcement agents at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rescue two stranded duck hunters on Henderson Lake in St. Martin Parish. Agents got the call at around seven this morning; and in less than two hours, they found the duck hunters inside their boats. The hunters said when they tried to leave, the boat motor wouldn’t start.

Also, LDWF is reminding you not to take in any wildlife during this arctic blast. The department says wild animals are acclimated to these conditions.

South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved for the northern half of the United States. Areas from Lafayette to Slidell, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans, could be buried under about a half foot of snow by the time it stops falling. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says thanks to lingering frigid temperatures, it’s going to be around for a while.

Cut 23 (06) “…a few days.”

Lows will dip into the teens overnight. Keim says while that’s historic, it won’t quite be a record.

Cut 24 (07) “…be down there.”

With conditions outside deteriorating as the day moves along, state officials are urging you to just stay home. Governor Landry has a suggestion for how you can fill the time.

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

To say the least, driving conditions throughout South Louisiana are quite treacherous. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says visibility is very difficult when the snow is falling; it’s certainly very unique to Louisiana…

Cut 10 (10) “…the moment.”

If you absolutely have to drive today, be very, very careful. Not only does that mean slow down, but it also means giving yourself lots of extra distance when stopping. And State Police Trooper Mark Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says if you start skidding, stay calm and by all means, do not steer away from the skid initially.

Cut 14 (11) “…out of it.”

Gremillion says it’s been a busy day for him and his fellow troopers – they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

The weather outside is frightful, and there’s little about it that’s delightful. That time of year has sailed off. DOTD officials are on the highways in south Louisiana, and the driving experience is very difficult. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says on some roadways, you can’t see the curb or edge of the street or the highway…

Cut 9 (12)  “…not easy.”

As such, try to stay off the roads today if you possibly can. If you absolutely have to be on the roads today, please adjust the way you normally drive so that you can get from point A to point B in one piece. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says not only do you need to greatly reduce your speed, you’ll also need to adjust the way you come to a stop.

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot farther.”

And if you start skidding, stay calm, steer into the skid and drive off after you’ve regained your traction.

Once again, in conditions like these, it’s best that you stay home if you possibly can. GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams says it’s best to hunker down and stay at home today and make sure your house can handle these cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…covered.”

Adams reminds you that if you absolutely must use a space heater, use extreme caution, as they are common causes for house fires in frigid temperatures like what we’re experiencing today. Make sure there’s nothing flammable within three to five feet of the unit, and it’s plugged directly into the wall. No extension cords or power strips – they can’t handle the electrical load needed to operate them.

If these brutal temperatures are too much for you to handle, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says take solace in the fact that they will return to normal by this weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…in certain locations.”

You may have just gotten an alert on your phone stating that the number of crashes on roadways throughout South Louisiana is rapidly increasing. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

Cut 12 (11) “…struck from behind.”

By the time all is said and done, some areas could be buried under as many as six inches of snow. On the rare occasion that it snows in South Louisiana, the snow will stick to the ground for maybe a few hours. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this time however, it will linger for a few days. That’s because overnight lows will be bone-chillingly cold.

Cut 4 (10) “…but still frigid.”

Not only are there multiple inches of snow in south Louisiana and into the Alexandria area, but we are looking at very cold temperatures. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging the public to practice space heater safety. GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams:

Cut 7 (09) “…to bed.”

Also, do not use your stove or oven to heat your house – especially if it’s a gas unit. If you use a gas stove or oven, you could run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odorless; by the time you become exposed, it could be too late.

South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved to regions of the country much farther north. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says areas of South Louisiana are being blanketed by snow not seen in decades.

Cut 3 (11) “…seven in Slidell.” 

Keim says with temperatures remaining below freezing, the snow will stick around for a few days.

With conditions outside deteriorating as the day moves along, state officials are urging you to just stay home. Governor Landry has a suggestion for how you can fill the time.

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

Or in honor of these New England-like conditions, you can try a New England delicacy: American Chop Suey.

Louisiana’s highway system is no match for this historic winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

People are making the most of all these road closures. Videos posted onto social media show people sledding down an embankment of a closed Interstate. They’re also going cross-country skiing on Bourbon Street, with as much as two inches of snow on the ground there. With sleds and cross-country skis usually not sold in Louisiana, people have had to improvise.

It’s a snowstorm that would make New England proud. The Gulf Coast is experiencing a snowstorm that it hadn’t experienced since the 1960s. People are waking up to the sight of their yards and vehicles covered in the flaky white stuff. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says while this is certainly a lot, it is not a record-breaker.

Cut 27 (16) “…one day.”

Triple-A says if you absolutely must drive in these conditions, exercise extreme caution. That includes things like making sure all snow is off all glass panels, not just the windshield and rear glass, greatly reducing your speed and giving yourself plenty of distance to stop safely. Don Redman of Triple-A says unless it’s an emergency, stay off the road.

Cut 4 (08) “…stay home.”

With Louisiana not accustomed to snow, the state doesn’t have any snowplows – there’s usually no need. During a news conference at GOHSEP headquarters, Governor Landry said our neighbor to the north, Arkansas, is pitching in to help.

Cut 13 (17)  “…and eight drivers.”

Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans crews are ready to deal with any power outages resulting from this snowstorm. VP of Reliability Jason Willis says 16-hundred workers are on standby, but restoration may be delayed by icy roads and cold-load pickup challenges.

Cut 12 (11) “…over the coming days.”

With the winter storm hitting the state, Triple-A shares some tips to get your vehicle ready for the freezing weather. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to protect your home from this arctic blast. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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It’s a snowstorm that South Louisiana hasn’t seen in six decades – and it’s coming today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Triple-A is advising drivers in South Louisiana to prepare their vehicles, plan their trips, and exercise caution when driving in winter weather. Don Redman of Triple-A says unless it’s an emergency, stay off the road.

Cut 4 (07) “…stay home.”

Redman says to prepare your vehicle there are a few suggestions. First, check the battery.

Cut 5 (14) “…cold battery.”

Redman says Triple-A also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and towing services to help drivers facing winter emergencies but suggests drivers keep a few items in their car.

Cut 6 (08) “…off the road.”

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If you haven’t already done so, protect the pipes in and around your house to avoid damage during this arctic blast. Dennis Rodriguez with Paradigm Plumbing in Baton Rouge says you’ll want to drip all your faucets inside your home – both hot and cold faucets.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the house.”

Rodriguez says you also need to cover your hose bibs on the outside of your house. A styrofoam box-shaped cover sold in home improvement stores should do the trick. If you don’t, those water lines could burst when the weather warms back up.

Cut 8 (12) “…a full stream.”

Rodriguez says you’ll also want to disconnect any hoses on the outside of the house.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wall to burst.”

______________________________________________________

As Louisiana faces potentially historic winter weather, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans prioritize customer safety and efficient power restoration. VP of Reliability Jason Willis says both companies have conducted extensive system patrols and implemented measures to prepare for severe conditions.

Cut 10 (10) “…going to see.”

Willis encourages customers to prepare by creating emergency plans, winterizing homes, and staying informed through Entergy’s app and safety resources.

Cut 11 (10) “…restoration times.”

Willis says 16-hundred workers are on standby, but restoration may be delayed by icy roads and cold-load pickup challenges.

Cut 12 (13) “…the coming days.”

Cleco has also secured 500 line mechanics and vegetation management contractors in preparation for possible outages.

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Soon, Central and South Louisiana will be gripped with crippling conditions. The entire Gulf Coast Region, which normally does not get severe winter storms, is expected to get several inches of snow today. During a news conference at GOHSEP headquarters, Governor Landry said with Louisiana not having any snowplows, help is on the way from Arkansas.

Cut 13 (17)  “…and eight drivers.”

As you probably know by now, bridges freeze much more quickly than surface roadways. As such, several long stretches of major roadways will be impassable.

Cut 14 (08) “…those bridges kindly.”

Joe Donahue with DOTD says despite crews’ best efforts, they will likely have no other choice than to shut down sections of I-10.

Cut 15 (07) “…portions of I-10.”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the Gulf Coast has certainly seen snow before; but all those previous times, the snow has been localized.

Cut 16 (11) “…since the 60s”

And Grymes says that snowfall will impact all of South Louisiana up to a portion of Central Louisiana.

Cut 17 (07)  “…a travel standpoint.”

Grymes says people in Central and South Louisiana should be prepared to be housebound for at least the next two days.