Shreveport, Louisiana – Drivers across northwest Louisiana and the broader ArkLaTex could face rapidly deteriorating road conditions starting early Friday as a significant winter storm threat settles into the region, bringing the risk of heavy ice, snow, and widespread power outages through Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning for much of north and central Louisiana, east and northeast Texas, southwest Arkansas, and southeast Oklahoma. Snow and sleet totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with isolated areas seeing up to 5 inches, especially near and north of Interstate 30. Ice accumulations between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch are likely, with localized amounts exceeding an inch.
In Louisiana, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, Union, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Caldwell, and La Salle parishes are all included in the watch. Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Natchitoches, and Mansfield could see prolonged periods of freezing rain, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines.
Officials warn that travel may become impossible at times, particularly during the Friday morning and evening commutes. Residents are urged to delay non-essential travel, charge devices ahead of time, and prepare for potential power outages. The storm’s impacts could linger into Sunday morning, and additional advisories or warnings may be issued as confidence increases.
