Lake Charles, Louisiana – Drivers across much of Louisiana and southeast Texas could face dangerously slick roads beginning Saturday afternoon as freezing rain moves into the region behind a strong cold front. Ice buildup on bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways could quickly make travel hazardous, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for central, south-central, and southwest Louisiana, along with parts of southeast Texas. Ice accumulations between one-tenth and four-tenths of an inch are possible, enough to coat roads, power lines, and trees.
In Louisiana, the threat stretches from Vernon and Rapides parishes south through Lafayette, St. Landry, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, and Acadia parishes. Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder, Jennings, Eunice, Opelousas, and Lafayette could all see periods of freezing rain. In southeast Texas, impacts are expected in Orange, Beaumont, Jasper, Newton, and surrounding communities.
Transportation officials warn that bridges along I-10, I-49, U.S. 190, and local elevated roadways may freeze faster than surface streets. Residents are urged to delay non-essential travel, charge devices ahead of time, and prepare for possible power disruptions.
Warnings remain in effect through Sunday afternoon, and additional advisories may be issued as confidence in ice totals increases.
