For those of you in North Louisiana, today is another day for you to stay off the roads. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
When disaster strikes Louisiana or nearby states, the United Cajun Navy usually comes to the rescue – and this time is no exception. Andre Champagne reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
____________________________________________
For those of you in North Louisiana, DOTD is urging you to stay off the roads once again today, if you possibly can. Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says that especially includes I-20.
Buchanan says those stalled 18-wheelers on I-20 are making the roadway nearly impassable, in some cases stranding people in frigid conditions for hours.
Buchanan says they’re trying to help those stranded people as best as they can.
Cut 5 (09) “…out there working.”
Buchanan says temperatures should start to warm up today to the point that the ice should start to melt and traffic can start moving again. But in the meantime, DOTD has its crews out on roadways clearing the ice as much as possible.
____________________________________________
When Mother Nature wreaks havoc on Louisiana and nearby states, 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.
Terrell says when essential personnel have no way to get to and from their respective facilities, his volunteers are ready to help with their four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Terrell says even if you can’t volunteer with your own four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can help the United Cajun Navy’s mission by making a donation.
Cut 8 (10) “…scarves and stuff.”
______________________________________
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. L-D-H also says an elderly person in DeSoto Parish died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Also in DeSoto Parish, a 79-year-old woman died after her oxygen concentrator failed as a result of no power. And a Texas man also died while traveling on icy roads in Mansfield. Governor Jeff Landry wants residents in north Louisiana to do these two things…
Cut 9 (09) “…supplemental heat.”
Landry spoke in Monroe today after taking a tour of some of the destruction the ice storm has caused in Ouachita Parish. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says once the ice melts away, the clean-up will be extensive…
Getting the power 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. Landry says he’s hopeful 90-percent of customers will have power restored by Thursday
There are still more than 90-thousand utility customers without power. Nearly half of the outages are in Ouachita Parish. Another round of extremely cold air will arrive this weekend.
If you live in an area without power, State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, says check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly…