South Louisiana saw some snow Friday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? State Climatologist Barry Keim says, believe it or not, we actually see white flakes more often than hurricanes. But for it to span nearly the entire bottom half of the state is very rare…:
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More than six inches stuck in Kentwood, and snow covered the grass in Baton Rouge for the first time since December of 2009.

Accidents are being reported throughout the state, and snow has made street lights heavy and caused some to malfunction. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet says it’s best to just stay home today if you can, but if not you can use the website 511la.org to find closures and other helpful information…:
CUT 11 (07) “as long as is necessary”

Freeze warnings are now posted in Acadia, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, and Upper St. Martin Parishes through tomorrow morning. Michael Hill with the National Weather Service says thankfully a warming trend will put temperatures closer to normal this weekend, but still cold:
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Residents have been posting pictures and videos all over social media. Cajun Musician Jo-EL Sonnier added a video of him playing his accordion from the front porch of his house as snow was falling…:
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But the snow is wreaking havoc on power lines. Entergy is reporting that nearly 70,000 customers are in the dark right now.

Much of the snow has stopped falling, but a cold Canadian air blast is lowering temperatures to below freezing throughout Louisiana tonight. National Weather Service forecaster Michael Hill says the areas where snow is on the ground, temperatures will get very cold and remain that way for a few evenings…:
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If we get some snow melt today and Saturday, what is left will refreeze again.

Rodney Mallett with the Department of Transportation warns drivers that even though it might look fine to drive on the roads, conditions are still dangerous…:
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Winter weather warnings and advisories remain in place throughout the bottom half of the state through 4pm this afternoon.

The US House has passed GOP backed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state:
Cut 26 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Snow has been falling throughout south Louisiana all morning long. So how rare event is this? State Climatologist Barry Keim says, believe it or not, we actually see flakes like this more often then even hurricanes. He says right now it’s certainly a winter wonderland in the bottom half of the state:
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Motorists are advised to stay off the roads where it’s snowing, as driving conditions are treacherous in many areas. Rodney Mallett with the Department of Transportation says crews have been working since the overnight hours to make sure roads were open and clear..:
Cut 9 (07) “helped a lot”
A Winter Storm warning remains in effect for East Feliciana, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and West Feliciana Parishes.

Social media is going crazy as south Louisiana is actually getting snow. Parents are posting videos of their kids playing in the white stuff for the first time ever. One man recorded his young son opening the door and discovering a winter wonderland in the Bayou State…:
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Many areas are seeing as much as two inches.

The Saints were in position to all but lock up the NFC South crown on Thursday night, but Quarterback Drew Brees’ pass into the end zone was intercepted by former LSU Tiger Deion Jones as Atlanta locked up a 20-17 win over New Orleans. The loss drops the Saints record to 9-4. The Black and Gold are still in first place in the NFC South, but Carolina moved a half-a-game closer to 8-4 and Atlanta is now 8-5.

More snow is expected though the afternoon in Southeast Louisiana.  About 2 inches have fallen and a Winter Weather Warning remains in effect for East Feliciana, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and West Feliciana Parishes.  Michael Hill with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the snow diminish through the day …

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Below freezing temperatures are expected overnight though out much of the state.

Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cybersecurity programs.  U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham says they are the first university in the country to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Engineering degree program.  It gives Louisiana Tech an edge toward the future…

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It’s the holiday season and what’s a better gift than a pet for your loved one? Jeff Palermo has more on a special adoption offer by the Louisiana SPCA…..

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The National Retail Federation predicts holiday shoppers will spend about 967 dollars a person on gifts this year  Mark Rosa, Professor with the UNO School of Business, says everybody gets excited during the season and wants to be generous which makes it easy to put purchases on credit cards.

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There are six parishes that are now under a winter storm warning where heavy snow is occurring. The National Weather Service says travel in these areas is difficult as snow accumulations of up to two inches are expected. These areas include southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, and forecasters say accumulations of up to two inches are expected. The warning for East Feliciana, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and
West Feliciana Parishes is in effect until 4pm.

Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says it started about 5am this morning in southeast Louisiana…:
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Roads are extremely slick during the morning commute, and officials are urging folks to stay home if possible.

With Christmas right around the corner, the Louisiana SPCA encourages people to give the gift of a home to a pet in need through adoption. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says for an additional donation of 75-dollars, you can surprise a loved one with an adopted animal by getting it hand delivered on Christmas Eve, Hanukah or Kwanzaa…:
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She says they’re offering a 50-dollar adoption special until December 23rd.

The US House has passed GOP backed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state. Congressman Mike Johnson of Shreveport says by passing this bill, there will be less confusion as to which states allow concealed carry and those that don’t…
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The measure heads to the Senate.

Many state offices are closed today as are most schools in South Louisiana as there is snow on the ground. Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in Slidell says, in all, we’ll probably end up seeing a little under two inches:
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Clouds are expected to linger most of the afternoon with some clearing toward the north and west. The winter weather advisory ends at noon today.

Tough night in Atlanta for the Saints who lost a hard fought game to the Atlanta Falcons 20-17. New Orleans had a chance to win it in the end, but quarterback Drew Brees pass into the end zone with 1:25 ended up in the hands of former LSU Tiger Deion Jones for an interception. The loss drops the Saints record to 9-4. The Black and Gold are still in first place in the NFC South, but Carolina moved a half-a-game closer to 8-4 and Atlanta is now 8-5.

With Christmas right around the corner, the Louisiana SPCA encourages people to give the gift of a home to a pet in need through adoption. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says last year 222 animals found forever homes during the holiday season…:
Cut 4 (10) “great match”
She says they’re offering a 50-dollar adoption special until December 23rd.

Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cyber-security programs. The money was awarded by the National Science Foundation. U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Alto says Tech is a leader in training the next generation of professions that will be tasked with protecting our nation. He says this grant will help the university maintain cyber security along the 1-20 corridor…:
Cut 10 (12) “their goal”

Rain and sleet changed over to snow this morning for much of Acadiana through the Baton Rouge area and into Mississippi. Temps are about in the low 30s, but most areas are just above the freezing mark. A winter weather advisory is in effect until noon today, and that’s when Meteorologist Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the white stuff will stop falling:
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Freeze warnings are posted across north Louisiana through mid-morning.

An accident at a Youngsville daycare has taken the life of a 4-year-old child. Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux says the child got away from a teacher as a mother, who had come to the daycare to pick up another child, was in the driveway. The 4-year-old ran then into the path of that truck, and the woman says she never saw the child. The incident is still under investigation.

The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend about 967 dollars a person on holiday shopping this Christmas. Don Molino has more..:
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The U.S. House has passed a measure to allow a person with a concealed carry permit issued in one state to carry a firearm in another state. Congressman Mike Johnson of Shreveport:
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The measure now heads to the Senate.

It’s snowing in Louisiana! Many folks in state are waking up this morning to the white stuff all over their houses and cars. Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says it started about 5am this morning in southeast Louisiana…:
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He says one to two inches are expected to fall, and the winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon today. Roads are extremely slick during the morning commute, and officials are urging folks to stay home if possible.

It’s going to be another big shopping weekend, and the National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend an average of $967 per person this holiday season. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says we should resist the urge to overspend…:
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The US House has passed GOP backed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state:
Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The Saints were in position to all but lock up the NFC South crown on Thursday night, but Quarterback Drew Brees’ pass into the end zone was intercepted by former LSU Tiger Deion Jones as Atlanta locked up a 20-17 win over New Orleans.