Shreveport, Louisiana – A significant Arctic outbreak is poised to bring rare and dangerous cold to the ArkLaTex region beginning Sunday evening, threatening residents across four states with near-zero temperatures and prolonged exposure risks into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 6 p.m. CST Sunday through noon CST Tuesday for portions of southwest and south-central Arkansas, northwest and north-central Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and northeast Texas. Temperatures are expected to drop as low as zero degrees, conditions that can quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia without proper protection.
The warning includes major population centers such as Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Texarkana, El Dorado, Natchitoches, Ruston, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Lufkin, Mount Pleasant, De Queen, and Idabel. Extended subfreezing temperatures raise concerns for vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and those without reliable heating, while infrastructure impacts such as frozen pipes and stressed utilities are likely across the region.
Emergency officials urge residents to prepare ahead of time by dressing in layers, limiting outdoor exposure, and ensuring homes are winterized. Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and family members and confirm heating systems are functioning safely.
The cold is expected to persist through Tuesday morning before gradual moderation. Officials caution additional warnings or advisories could be issued as the Arctic air mass settles across the region.
