The state health department has confirmed another winter storm-related death, but the number of deaths connected to the ice storm is still eight. That’s because the death of a 62-year-old man in Sabine Parish is no longer considered storm related. So, the eighth death tied to the storm is a 65-year-old man in Jackson Parish who died from hypothermia after his home lost power.

Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to scores of home fires in the last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Traffic is flowing smoothy once again on I-20 between Shreveport and Monroe.  Erin Buchanan with DOTD says crews were able to clear I-20 of all of those stalled 18-wheelers that had traffic halted for multiple days.

Cut 12 (13) “…the sunshine too.”

Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says with help from local police, he went to I-20 on Monday to provide the hundreds of stranded motorists with food and water…

Cut 10 (12) “…that much ice”

Another contributing factor….according to Governor Jeff Landry the brine sprayed on I-20 to prevent ice from forming, actually froze, so it was NOT able to act as an anti-icing agent.

The American Red Cross says over the last seven days they’ve responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says they are not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of Americans to perform its mission. Wells says the money that the Red Cross gives to those who are displaced by a fire is never a loan…

Cut 8 (08) “…all-donation funded”

The cold weather is not good for crawfish as mudbugs find warmth by burrowing into the mud. LSU Ag Center crawfish agent Todd Fontenot says that keeps them growing…

Cut 4 (04) “…somewhat”

Another blast of arctic air is expected this weekend, but Fontenot says we are still on pace for a normal peak crawfish season that runs from late February through April.

Vehicles are finally moving at a normal speed on I-20 as the interstate that crosses north Louisiana is finally free of the dangerous ice that had traffic at a standstill for multiple days. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says drivers on I-20 still need to be careful…

Cut 13 (10) “….the most part”

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says hundreds of vehicles were stranded on I-20 in very cold temperatures…

Cut 11 (10) “…or whatever”

You may have heard about a private jet crash in Maine that killed six people last Sunday. One of the victims is Sabine Parish native and Tulane graduate Tara Arnold. Arnold was a personal injury attorney in Houston. The plane was on its way to France and it stopped in Maine. The aircraft crashed shortly after take off in snowy conditions in Maine.

Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for a full joint federal and state investigation into the events in Minneapolis that he described as “disturbing.” In a conference call with reporters, Cassidy said things in Minneapolis have gotten out of hand.

Cut 7 (09) “…make an adaptation.”

On social media, Cassidy said the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security are at stake. He says it seems that they may have lost sight of the purpose of the enhanced immigration enforcement operation, and that could have a profound effect on President Trump’s legacy.

Back home in Louisiana, I-20 is now flowing smoothly again after the ice storm left some motorists stranded on the interstate for up to 20 hours. Captain Kenneth Balkom says LDWF agents also conducted welfare checks on the drivers who were stranded. He says winter weather and Louisiana do not mix well.

Cut 6 (04) “…don’t have to.”

Good news…the ice will continue to melt away

Saturday’s Rockin’1000 concert in the Superdome will be like none other – and to accomplish that, organizers sought out a local heavy-hitter. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Update on the power situation…according to power-outage-dot-us….75-thousand customers in north Louisiana remain without power. Entergy is reporting 66-thousand outages.

About 90-thousand people in north Louisiana are still without power. Governor Landry says getting their power turned back on is a major priority. Landry says the number of linemen and crews have doubled as they’ve been able to shift personnel from south to north Louisiana. He says he’s hopeful 90-percent of customers will have power restored by Thursday.

Cut 11 (12) “…cold air.”

Once the power is restored, an extensive cleanup will need to take place. There is a lot of debris that needs to be hauled away. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says many businesses impacted by the ice storm will need some federal assistance…

Cut 14 (12) “…recovery here”

Echols has called the damage done to Ouachita Parish as catastrophic.

The ice and snow has made travel difficult on I-20. According to social media reports, some motorists sat on the interstate, with no way to move for up to 20 hours. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan….

Cut 4 (11) “…out of there”

Governor Jeff Landry said at a press briefing that the brine sprayed on I-20 before the winter storm, actually froze.

When Mother Nature wreaks havoc the United Cajun Navy is on the scene helping people affected – and this ice storm is no different. Founder and president Todd Terrell says he and his crew are delivering supplies to shelters throughout north Louisiana and Mississippi – not just essentials to stay warm, but also everyday essentials for the whole family.

Cut 6 (09) “…what they need.”

If you want to help go to United Cajun Navy’s Facebook page.

The ice storm of 2026 will not be forgotten anytime soon. Governor Jeff Landry did an aerial tour of the damage in northeast Louisiana earlier today. Monroe Representative Michael Echols was on the helicopter with the governor…

Cut 13 (16) “…northeast Louisiana

The number of people who have died in Louisiana due to the winter storm is up to eight. State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges urges folks to check on their neighbors…

Cut 12 (13) “…assistance”

Five of the eight victims died from hypothermia.

Officials continue to implore residents in north Louisiana where snow and ice is on the ground to stay off the roads. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Cajun Navy is providing support for those who are still without power in north Louisiana. Founder and president Todd Terrell says if you want to support their efforts, you can always donate…..

Cut 8 (10) “…scarves and stuff”

For those of you in North Louisiana, DOTD is urging you to stay off the roads once again today. Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says that especially includes I-20.

Cut 3 (13) “…to clear it.”

The state health department has announced five additional deaths because of the winter storm, bringing the total number to eight. The cause of death for five of the victims is hypothermia. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, urges residents to check on their neighbors, especially if they are elderly…

Cut 12 (13) “…provide that assistance”

About 104-thousand homes and businesses in North Louisiana are still without power. SWEPCO and Cleco say most of their customers will have electricity by the end of today. Entergy President Phillip May says the company anticipates 90-percent of its customers along the I-20 corridor who can safely receive power will be restored by tomorrow night.

Cut 13 (13)  “…away from homes.”

The power is out for 45-thousand utility customers in Ouachita Parish.

When Mother Nature wreaks havoc the United Cajun Navy is on the scene helping people affected – and this ice storm is no different. Founder and president Todd Terrell says he and his crew are delivering supplies to shelters throughout north Louisiana and north Mississippi – not just essentials to stay warm, but also everyday essentials for the whole family.

Cut 6 (09) “…what they need.”