New all time record lows were set this morning. National Weather Service Meteorologist Stacey Denson says single digit temperature readings were recorded across southwest Louisiana…

Cut 3 (13) “…in Lafayette.” 

Denson says they are still finalizing snowfall totals, but a large portion of southwest Louisiana saw more than a half foot of snow…

Roads are so treacherous today that if you must drive on them, it seems that the only safe way to do so would be to commandeer a Zamboni machine. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says some areas might not get above freezing today.

Cut 12 (07) “…of the day.”

Overnight lows will once again dip into the teens; but after that, temperatures will work their way back up to normal.

The American Red Cross is supporting 35 warming centers across 30 parishes as brutally cold temperatures continue to grip the state for one more day. Micah Nicholas, the executive director of the Capital West chapter of the American Red Cross, says the Red Cross’ work goes far beyond the warming centers themselves.

Cut 6 (13) “…as they arise.”

This arctic blast will mean that crawfish will be in short supply this weekend. LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says farmers are putting in a lot of effort to bring crawfish to the market; and despite this winter storm, they are still predicting a better crawfish season this year…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the catch.”

We’re experiencing cold weather like never before. Temperatures in South Louisiana plunged overnight into the single digits, breaking all-time records. It’s going to be another brutally cold day today, with temperatures in many areas barely getting above freezing, if it does at all. Micah Nicholas, the executive director of the Capital West chapter of the American Red Cross, says the organization is supporting 35 warming centers across 30 parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…disaster to them.”

There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel. We’re in for one more night of brutally cold temperatures across the state. But LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin (JACK-quim-in) says things will start to get back to normal before a very mild weekend.

Cut 18 (10)   “…60s on Sunday.”

Yesterday was not just a sneaux day, it was a day where lifelong memories were made. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This arctic blast will mean crawfish will be in short supply at least this weekend. LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the mudbugs will bury themselves as deep into the mud as they can…

Cut 7 (11) “…of crawfish.”

It’s a winter wonderland across south Louisiana and into central Louisiana with snow on the ground and temperatures in the single digits, setting all-time record lows in southwest Louisiana. Governor Landry continues to urge the public to stay home…

Cut 11 (09) “….the weather improves”

Driving was treacherous to say the least yesterday.  State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says his troopers were busy helping stranded motorists…

Cut 15 (13) “….the cold conditions”

Temperatures will get above freezing today, but State Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue says it will take some time to re-open closed roads…

Cut 28 (08) “…dot-gov”

The Red Cross is lending a helping hand during this arctic blast. Andrew Greenstein reports

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’ll return to normal temperatures in a few days, but finding crawfish this weekend will be difficult. But LSU Ag Center crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the snow and ice have NOT ruined the upcoming mudbug season..

Cut 8 (08) “…quite a bit”

So for now, you’ll have to settle for a good pot of gumbo.

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Jeff Palermo….

Cut 16 (07) “…in the teens”

We are actually seeing temperatures in the single digits and temperatures are hitting all-time lows across southwest Louisiana. It’s three degrees in New Iberia, five degrees in Lafayette and eight degrees in Lake Charles.

The governor is pleading with the public to stay home today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Temperatures will get above freezing today which will help State Department of Transportation crews remove the snow and ice from major roadways. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue…

Cut 13 (09) “…treatment with salt”

Numerous highways are closed including I-10 from the Texas-Louisiana line to Baton Rouge.

It’s hard to harvest crawfish in this weather and crustaceans have buried themselves in the mud to stay warm, so they are not growing. But LSU AgCenter Crawfish expert Mark Shirley says despite this winter storm, he still predicts a better crawfish season this year…

Cut 9 (11) “….in the catch”

In non-related weather news…University of Louisiana Monroe president Doctor Ron Berry is stepping down and returning to his role as a professor.

The snow has subsided, but not the danger. Driving is not advisable in all of south Louisiana and into the southern parts of the Cenla region because of ice- and snow-covered roads. Governor Jeff Landry says the roads are extra slick.

Cut 10 (15) “…extremely, extremely dangerous.”

And it’s very cold outside. We are seeing single digit readings as far south as Patterson where it’s nine-degrees. Four-degrees in Opelousas, Lake Charles seven degrees, Lafayette nine degrees and Baton Rouge ten degrees. It’s 15-degrees in Shreveport, Alexandria and Monroe. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it will be mid-day before we get back above freezing…

Cut 17 (06) “….and 20s tonight”

It will be sunny so that will help melt the snow and ice.

Local governments and faith-based groups have opened several warming centers for those who needed a warm place to sleep. Micah Nicholas, executive director of the Capital West Chapter of the American Red Cross says they could use all the help it can get in supporting these warming centers…

Cut 5 (07) “….disasters like this”

These warming centers will likely stay open again tonight as temperatures will get well below freezing.

What will the 2025 snowstorm and cold temperatures mean for the upcoming crawfish season? LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the mudbugs will bury themselves as deep into the mud as they can…

Cut 7 (11) “…of crawfish.”

Shirley predicts crawfish will return to the market once the water temperature gets back into the 50s and 60s.

Road conditions outside are bad right now, and they’re only going to get worse. DOTD 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 tonight if you possibly can. If you absolutely have to be on the roads, 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.

With conditions outside continuing to deteriorate, state officials are urging you to just stay home, not just this evening and tomorrow, but Thursday as well. Governor Landry has ordered state offices to remain closed through Thursday. If cabin fever starts getting the best of you, Landry has a suggestion for how you can fill the time.

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

Temperatures will dip into the teens overnight and will only get into the high 30s or low 40s tomorrow before another overnight of teens. 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.”

It’s a winter storm that the state has not seen in some 60 years. 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 may 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.”

GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams says it’s best to hunker down and stay at home – and make sure your house can handle these cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…covered.”

In fact, the state is keeping state offices closed both tomorrow and Thursday.

Louisiana’s highway system is no match for this historic winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Enforcement agents at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rescue two stranded duck hunters on Henderson Lake in St. Martin Parish. Agents got the call at around seven this morning; and in less than two hours, they found the duck hunters inside their boats. The hunters said when they tried to leave, the boat motor wouldn’t start.

Also, LDWF is reminding you not to take in any wildlife during this arctic blast. The department says wild animals are acclimated to these conditions.