State Police says I-20 is a solid block of ice and it’s resulted in jack-knifed 18-wheelers and several vehicles sliding off the highway. Trooper Brent Hardy says thankfully no serious injuries have been reported.

Cut 3 (11)  “…roadway” 

Hardy says many of the stranded motorist were out sightseeing.

After days for several customers without power and frigid temperatures Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says they hope to have power restored for Baton Rouge customers by the end of the day. As for customers in North Louisiana that received a bout of freezing rain last night…

Cut 6 (09) “…customers.”

Entergy, along with CLECO and SWEPCO, are asking customers to conserve power as much as possible to avoid overloads.

Governor Edwards says he will make an announcement “relatively soon” on expanding COVID vaccine eligibility to K-12 teachers and staff.  

Teachers unions are demanding teachers be vaccinated, but Edwards says the current priority groups are federal recommendations based on our demographics. 

Cut 9 (12) “…we have”

The weather has caused delays for several states, Louisiana included, to receive their weekly vaccination allocation. State Health Officer Dr Joe Kanter says postponing your second shot of vaccine will not impact its overall effectiveness so don’t worry if you have a wait a few days.  

Cut 12 (10) “…ok.”

Those with only one shot of the two-shot sequence are believed to have about 50 percent immunity, while those who complete their sequence have over 90 percent immunity several weeks after their final dose.  

After two winter storms this week, forecasters say it appears the worst is behind us. However, State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s still some lingering mixed precipitation this morning in north Louisiana. Keim says things aren’t necessarily going to warm up either…

Cut 7 (08)  “…and 40s.”

Thousands of people spent the night sleeping without power. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says after days of severe winter weather there’s more and more damage to poles and powerlines…

cut 14 (09) “….system”

CLECO reports 33-thousand remain without power. Entergy is reporting 56-thousand customers Louisiana and SWEPCO says 10-thousand remain without power.

Much of Louisiana’s weekly vaccine shipment will be delayed due to the historic winter weather impacting the region.  State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re not alone in missing much of our weekly allocation.

Cut 10 (07) “…as well.”

Kanter says you safely delay second dose of both vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer, for up to 42 days.

COVID vaccines can cause enlarged lymph nodes under the arm in which you received the injection, so the American Society of Breast Imaging is recommending postponing routine mammograms for four to six weeks. Breast Surgical Oncologist at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Dr. Mindy Bowie (Boo-ie) says if you did have your mammogram in that time span and had enlarged lymph nodes you’ll need to be reexamined.

Cut 5 (09)“…node.”

Tens of thousands are without power as a result of the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Those with power are being asked to conserve electricity in an effort to reduce overall demand. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they didn’t make that request lightly…
cut 15 (07) “…taken”
The winter storms are slowing down the distribution of vaccines and getting shots into arms. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says that means you may not be able to get vaccinated this week even if you had an appointment to do so…
cut 11 (09) “…postponed”
Kanter says if the appointment for your second shot gets delayed by a few days that will not impact the overall effectiveness of the vaccine. About 255-thousand Louisiana residents have received both shots.

With two winter storms in the same week to rock the Bayou State, forecasters say it’s been historic. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Light freezing drizzle is still possible through north Louisiana today which is why the area remains under a winter storm warning. It will also turn cold again tonight with temperatures dipping well below the freezing mark and we could see the teens or low 20s tomorrow morning for north Louisiana.

Tens of thousands of residents are without power in Louisiana this morning as a result of the double whammy of winter storms. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says it could take a while to restore power in many areas due to horrendous road conditions.
Cut 13 (10) “…improve.”
Governor John Bel Edwards has requested a Presidential emergency declaration. The governor says the emergency declaration will help Louisiana better respond to this crisis and protect the health and safety of residents.

The state health department reports the winter storms are responsible for three deaths in Louisiana. Two people have died after slipping on the ice, including a 77-year-old Calcacasieu Parish man who slipped into a pool and drowned.

Today, the temperatures are expected to get above the freezing mark, but we are looking at cold mornings on Friday and Saturday.

Many hospitals are forced to reschedule vaccine appointments because the weather has caused delays in the arrival of more COVID-19 vaccine shots. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says if you have to postpone your appointment for the second shot by a few days that’s okay…
cut 12 (10) “….ok”

And a side effect of the COVID vaccine has prompted a new recommendation with routine mammograms…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

The winter precipitation still has yet to leave the state as there’s a wintery mix falling in northeast and northcentral Louisiana. The entire state should get above the freezing mark today, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says we are looking at a very cold morning tomorrow…
cut 7 (08) “…and 40s”
Thousands of people spent the night sleeping without power. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says after days of severe winter weather there’s more and more damage to poles and powerlines…
cut 14 (09) “….system”
And highways remain treacherous where snow, sleet, and freezing rain fell yesterday. State Police tells K-T-B-S TV that several 18-wheelers ran off the road and into ditches and traffic is on a standstill on Interstate 20 near Ruston. No reports of injuries at this time.

Many COVID vaccine shipments into Louisiana will be delayed this week due to the winter weather. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

A side effect of the COVID vaccination has prompted a new recommendation with routine mammograms. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Many vaccine shipments into Louisiana will be delayed this week due to the winter weather. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

With two winter storms in the same week to rock the Bayou State, forecasters say it’s been historic. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________

Because COVID vaccines can cause enlarged lymph nodes for several weeks under the arm in which you receive the injection, physicians are recommending changes for routine mammograms. Breast Surgical Oncologist at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Dr. Mindy Bowie (pronounced BOO-e) explains.

Cut 4 (10)“…vaccination.”

Or try to schedule your mammogram before you are vaccinated for COVID.

Bowie says unfortunately some patients had their mammograms soon after their vaccination before the new recommendations were issued. She says whenever enlarged lymph nodes are noted on a mammogram you will need to be reexamined.

Cut 5 (09)“…node.”

Bowie says when you schedule your routine mammogram be sure to let the technician know when you were vaccinated for COVID. She also advises whenever you notice anything unusual about your body whatsoever to always contact your physician to rule things out.

Cut 6 (11) “…(2x) vaccination.”

Bowie says enlarged lymph nodes are a common occurrence when your body is mounting an immune response and you shouldn’t be alarmed when they appear after your vaccines.

________________________

After two winter storms this week, forecasters say it appears the worst is behind us. However, State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s still some lingering mixed precipitation this morning in north Louisiana and rain in the southeast. Keim says things aren’t necessarily going to warm up either…

Cut 7 (11)  “…and 40s.”

Keim says the forecast Saturday is very similar to Friday with highs reaching into the 40s and 50s.

After this morning Keim says we shouldn’t see any rain over the next few days…

Cut 8 (11) “…weather.”

Keim says these winter storms will go down as some of the worst we’ve experienced, especially because it’s so widespread.

Cut 9 (11) “…on giving.”

_____________________________

Much of Louisiana’s weekly vaccine shipment will be delayed due to the historic winter weather impacting the region.  

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re not alone in missing much of our weekly allocation. 

Cut 10 (07) “…as well.”

The state recently crossed a milestone of more people receiving at least one dose of a vaccine than have tested positive in Louisiana.  

Kanter says that means you may not be able to get vaccinated this week even if you had an appointment to do so.  

Cut 11 (09) “…postponed.”

Kanter says postponing your second shot of vaccine will not impact its overall effectiveness so don’t worry if you have a wait a few days.  

Cut 12 (10) “…ok.”

Those with only one shot of the two shot sequence are believed to have about 50 percent immunity, while those who complete their sequence have over 90 percent immunity several weeks after their final dose.  

_____________________________

Tens of thousands of customers are still without power in Louisiana this morning as a result of the double whammy of winter storms.  

Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says it could take awhile to restore power in many areas due to horrendous road conditions. 

Cut 13 (10) “…improve.”

Cahill says after days of severe weather they’re seeing more and more damage to poles and powerlines. 

Cut 14 (09) “…system.” 

Last night Cleco and other providers took the step of asking customers to conserve power to prevent further damage to the grid and Cahill says they didn’t make that request lightly…

Cut 15 (07)“…taken.”

Louisiana is still reeling from a double winter storm punch that’s resulted in power outages for tens of thousands of customers, made hundreds of roads impassable, and has shut down water utilities in Shreveport. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says Shreveport is in a tough spot at the moment… 

Cut 6 (09) “…town.” 

City and parish roads have been declared “unpassable” which means they are drivable but dangerous. 

Governor Edwards acknowledged the delays in returning power to much of the state. He says the same roads that are keeping you stuck at home are undrivable for repair crews… 

Cut 13 (12)“…real issues too” 

Cleco, SWEPCO, and Entergy are all asking customers to conserve power tonight.  

_____________________ 

State Police says treacherous road conditions led to 45 people getting stuck on a stretch of Interstate 20 in Bossier and Webster parish for six to eight hours last night. Trooper Brent Hardy says there were multiple crashes but thankfully no serious injuries. It took a lot of effort to get those stuck on the interstate out of there… 

Cut 4 (13) “…stranded.” 

The I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge between Lafayette and Baton Rouge is now open as crews have cleared the ice.  

The State Department of Health has officially confirmed three storm related fatalities. A 50-year-old in Lafayette Parish who slipped and fell, a 74-year-old in Lafayette Parish who died of exposure, and a 77-year-old Caddo man who slipped into his pool and drown. We’re awaiting confirmation on a fourth victim in Shreveport. 

Due to overwhelming power usage both Entergy Louisiana and SLIMCO are asking customers to voluntarily reduce electricity usage between 5 and 10 pm this evening. They are asking customers to reduce their thermostat to 68 degrees and delay laundry, washing dishes, and bathing and other non-essential uses of electricity.

A 15 mile stretch along I-20 East in Bossier and Webster Parishes is closed after commercial vehicles jackknifed last night causing approximately 45 motorists to be trapped. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Governor John Bel Edwards says today’s winter weather is challenging Louisiana with power outages, water outages, and hundreds of wrecks on the roadways. Edwards says State Police have worked about 350 weather-related crashes. It’s an especially challenging time for Shreveport as the city is experiencing low water pressure. Edwards says he’s aware of the situation.

Cut 12 (12) “…water pressure.” 

All roads in Beauregard Parish and LA Highway 10 in Allen Parish have been deemed impassable due to the ongoing winter storm.  State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says despite the hazardous road conditions they are seeing an uptick in traffic coming into the region from across the Texas border.  

Cut 10 (09) “…the area” 

Designating a road “impassable” means officials highly discourage non-emergency travel. 

Governor John Bel Edwards says today’s winter weather is challenging Louisiana with power outages, water outages, and hundreds of wrecks on the roadways. Edwards says State Police have worked about 350 weather-related crashes.

Cut 11 (09) “…those crashes.”

Road conditions continue to deteriorate across north Louisiana. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick is asking motorists to try and avoid driving into or through northwest Louisiana at this time. She says successfully navigating the area is a coin flip.  

Cut 8 (12) “…travel”

Mayor Adrian Perkins told KSLA-TV the city could be without water for 48 hours.

State Police says treacherous road conditions led to 45 people getting stuck on a stretch of Interstate 20 in Bossier and Webster parishes for six to eight hours last night. Trooper Brent Hardy says there were multiple crashes…

Cut 3 (11)  “….back up” 

There were no serious injuries, but Hardy says multiple agencies were needed to assist those trapped overnight.

All roads in Beauregard Parish and LA Highway 10 in Allen Parish have been deemed impassable due to the ongoing winter storm. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says yesterday the sun melted much of the ice along those roads, but… 

Cut 9 (12) “…roadway.”

Designating a road “impassable” means officials highly discourage non-emergency travel. 

Another winter storm is hitting Louisiana producing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Alexandria area to the Arkansas state line. The state health department says a 77-year-old Calcasieu Parish man slipped on the ice, fell in a pool, and drowned. Cleco is reporting 20-thousand customers without power.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins tells KSLA-TV that the city could be without water for 48 hours due to the second round of winter weather. Matt Doyle has more.
cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”

From the Alexandria area to points north, temperatures are at the freezing mark or below freezing. Roads are extremely slick in the northern half of the state. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says they’ve worked 350 crashes during the winter weather this week, so if you have to drive, drive slowly…
cut 5 (13) “…slolwy”
State Police is working to reopen I-10 West from Port Allen to Lafayette.

What about crawfish and this cold weather? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says cold temperatures do cause the mudbugs to go into almost a dormant-like state and bury themselves deep in the water, but he’s hopeful we’ll still have a good crawfish season…
cut 13 (09) “….pattern”
Strain also believes the strawberry crop should do well, if producers were able to cover them.