Shreveport, Louisiana – A developing winter weather setup is expected to impact parts of the ArkLaTex region late tonight into Saturday, as rain transitions to wintry precipitation and creates the risk for slick roads and hazardous travel, especially north of Interstate 20.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, areas near and north of I-30 in southeast Oklahoma and southwest Arkansas could see rain change to freezing rain as early as late this afternoon or early evening. Across much of the ArkLaTex, including northern Louisiana, northeast Texas, and southwest Arkansas, the transition is expected later tonight and into early Saturday morning as colder air continues to filter south.
Forecasters indicate that the highest risk for travel impacts will be where precipitation lingers while surface temperatures fall below freezing. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads could become slick quickly, particularly across southwest Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma, and portions of northern Louisiana. In deep east Texas and central Louisiana, the changeover may not occur until late Saturday morning or early afternoon, limiting impacts there.
Confidence is increasing in the timing of the transition, though officials caution that even small shifts could change where the greatest impacts occur. Travel delays are possible Saturday morning, and drivers are urged to use caution, slow down, and allow extra time.
Wintry precipitation should gradually taper later Saturday as temperatures stabilize. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as conditions evolve, and residents are encouraged to stay updated through Saturday.
