Alexandria, Louisiana – Drivers and homeowners across central Louisiana could face wind gusts up to 35 mph starting late Sunday morning, followed by a potential freeze near 32°F by early Tuesday morning that may threaten crops and outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday across much of central and southwest Louisiana, including Rapides, Vernon, Beauregard, Allen, Evangeline, Avoyelles, and St. Landry parishes, along with northern Newton County in Texas. Northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts reaching 35 mph could make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Cities including Alexandria, Pineville, Leesville, De Ridder, Opelousas, Ville Platte, and Bunkie may see loose outdoor objects blown around and isolated power outages if tree limbs fall during stronger gusts. Drivers along U.S. 165, I-49, and rural highways through Rapides and Vernon parishes should expect crosswinds through Monday.
Once winds ease Monday night, colder air settling into the region could push temperatures down to around 32°F by early Tuesday morning, prompting a Freeze Watch from Monday evening through Tuesday morning.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, charge devices in case of outages, cover sensitive plants, and wrap exposed pipes before temperatures drop. Additional freeze warnings may be issued if colder readings become more certain.
