Alexandria, Louisiana – Gusty winds sweeping across central Louisiana Monday will give way to a chilly overnight freeze, raising concerns for crops and sensitive plants across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. CDT Monday across parts of central and southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph could blow around unsecured outdoor objects and knock down small tree limbs.
Cities including Alexandria, Pineville, Opelousas, Leesville, DeRidder, Ville Platte, and Marksville may see the strongest gusts throughout the day. Drivers along Interstate 49 near Alexandria and U.S. Highway 171 near DeRidder should use caution, particularly in high-profile vehicles.
A colder air mass will settle in after sunset. A Freeze Warning will take effect at 8 p.m. Monday and continue until 10 a.m. Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop to around 31°F across the region.
The warning includes Rapides, Avoyelles, Evangeline, St. Landry, Allen, Beauregard, and Vernon parishes in Louisiana, along with northern Newton County in southeast Texas.
Forecasters warn that the cold could damage early-season crops, gardens, and sensitive landscaping plants. Residents are encouraged to cover outdoor vegetation, bring potted plants inside, and protect exposed pipes before temperatures fall Monday night. Additional cold weather advisories may follow if temperatures drop lower than expected early Tuesday morning.
