Shreveport, Louisiana – A potentially crippling winter storm is taking shape across the Ark-La-Tex region, with ice and mixed wintry precipitation threatening to shut down travel and cause power outages from late week into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning for a large portion of the region, including southwest and south-central Arkansas, northwest and north-central Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and much of east and northeast Texas. Heavy accumulations of mixed winter precipitation are expected, with ice posing the greatest threat.
Communities across the region — including Shreveport, Bossier City, Texarkana, El Dorado, Magnolia, Ruston, Monroe, Tyler, Longview, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Broken Bow — could see dangerous road conditions and increasing risk for downed trees and power lines as ice builds on exposed surfaces. Travel may become limited to nearly impossible at times, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural roadways.
Officials warn that impacts could extend beyond the end of precipitation, as refreezing ice may keep roads hazardous into Monday morning. Power outages are also possible if ice accumulation becomes significant.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely, prepare for potential power disruptions, and strongly consider delaying travel during the watch period. Additional watches, advisories, or warnings are likely as confidence increases and timing becomes more precise.
