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.”

The snow is falling! State Climatologist Jay Grymes on where it is coming down….

Cut 17 (07) “…travel standpoint”

Many highways including large sections of the interstate system are closed on this snowy Tuesday. In southwest Louisiana, there is a blizzard warning until noon today…

Cut 21 (09) “…that’s falling”

That’s Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.  Cameron, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Acadia Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes are under a blizzard warning.

We’re still looking at two to six inches of snow from Alexandria down to the coast. It will be cold tomorrow, so the snow could remain on the ground until Thursday.

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.

This cold weather is not good for older car batteries. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 5 (14) “…cold battery”

Triple-A does offer emergency road service at  1-800-AAA-HELP, but you do need to sign up in advance.

A major winter storm is blanketing much of the state with snow. Andrew Greenstein has more,,,

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

We are accustomed to hurricane warnings in Louisiana, but how about a blizzard warning. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says southwest and south-central Louisiana, including Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Pecan Island are under a blizzard warning until noon…

Cut 21 (07) “….not recommended”

Tonight will feature several inches of snow on the ground and near record low temperatures in the teens for a good part of the state. Dennis Rodriguez with Pardigm Plumbing in Baton Rouge says get outside and cover any exposed pipes, including the hose bibbs. Rodriguez says if you don’t those water lines could burst when the weather warms back up…

Cut 8 (12) “…a full stream”

As of right now, Entergy is reporting 850 customers without power and a good percentage of those are in the Baton Rouge area. Vice President of Reliability Jason Willis says customers can stay informed through Entergy’s app…

Cut 11 (10) “…restoration times”

The snow we were expecting is coming down. Governor Jeff Landry….

Cut 14 (08) “…those bridges kindley”

The I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is closed, I-10 between LaPlace and Slidell is closed, I-55 between Ponchatoula and Laplace is closed, the Causeway Bridge is closed and so is I-49 through Alexandria.

With a winter storm hitting the state, Triple-A has this advice for motorists. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Since this is mainly a snow event and not an ice storm, there’s hope we will not see a lot of power outages. Entergy Vice President of Reliability Jason Willis says they spent several days preparing for this winter event…

Cut 10 (10) “…going to see”

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

If you are sitting around the house wondering what you can do to make sure your house can hold up against the winter storm, local plumber Dennis Rodriguez says make sure all water hoses are disconnected from the outside of the house…

Cut 9 (12) “….wall to burst”

Rodriguez says it’s not too late to wrap those pipes and cover the spigots.

The snow is falling across much of Louisiana, and it’s expected to keep coming down for several more hours. 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 the snow is making traveling treacherous. Department of Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue…

Cut 15 (07) “…portions of I-10”

And we have reached that point. I-10 is closed from I-49 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish. I-10 is also closed in parts of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Sections of I-55 have also been closed. I-49 through Alexandria is also closed.

In preparation of the winter storm, Entergy has 16-hundred workers ready to respond to power outages….

Cut 12 (11) “…..the coming days’

That’s Entergy Vice President of Reliability Jason Willis who says restoration may be delayed by icy roads.

Once the snow moves out, we can expect some bitterly cold temperatures, so make sure those pipes are protected. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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.”

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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.

With snow approaching Central and South Louisiana and brutal cold gripping the whole state, Governor Landry has issued a state of emergency. With temperatures expected to drop into the teens overnight, Landry is encouraging local governments to open warming shelters…

Cut 5 (14) “…safe as well.”

Central and South Louisiana could see snowfall not seen since the 1960s. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says these are not flurries that those areas could expect.

Cut 10 (16) “…in this particular case.”

Keim says the snow will stick around after the snowfall ends tomorrow night

Needless to say, while not unprecedented, snow and ice are not things that Louisiana is accustomed to. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says crews spent the weekend preparing for the storm, and those preparations continued throughout much of the day today.

Cut 7 (14) “…to ice over.”

Louisiana State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says when the snow starts falling, if you do not have to be out on the roadways, stay off them.

Cut 13 (14)  “…have to be.”

Mayfield says if you absolutely have to be on the roadways, use extreme caution.