Lake Charles, LA — A Winter Storm Watch and Cold Weather Advisory are in effect for Lake Charles as freezing rain and dangerous cold threaten the area this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a strong cold front will move through Friday night, followed by the potential for freezing rain Saturday and Sunday. Forecast guidance indicates ice accumulations of up to 0.4 inches are possible across parts of central and southwestern Louisiana, including the Lake Charles area.
The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from noon Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday, while a Cold Weather Advisory runs from 6 p.m. Saturday until noon Sunday. Temperatures Saturday night into Sunday morning are expected to fall into the 20s, with wind chills dropping into the lower teens.
Forecasters warn that these conditions could become life-threatening for anyone outdoors for extended periods without adequate clothing. Ice accumulation may lead to hazardous road conditions, downed trees, and power outages, especially if freezing rain persists for several hours.
The National Weather Service cautioned that travel could become dangerous quickly as untreated roads and bridges ice over. Lingering sub-freezing temperatures from Saturday through Monday may prevent rapid improvement, even after precipitation ends.
Residents are urged to prepare now by limiting unnecessary travel, protecting pipes, bringing pets indoors, and ensuring flashlights, batteries, food, and water are available in case of power outages. Those who must travel should plan for delays and rapidly changing conditions.
Lake Charles residents should closely monitor forecast updates through Friday and the weekend, as warnings may be upgraded and ice totals could change as the event approaches.
