Shreveport, Louisiana — One hundred sixty million Americans are prepared and monitoring a major winter system now shifting toward a dangerous ice storm setup, as freezing rain and ice accumulation threaten parts of Texas and Louisiana through Monday, Jan. 26.
For this region, the primary concern is freezing rain rather than snow. According to the National Weather Service, a shallow layer of Arctic air near the surface combined with warmer air aloft will create conditions favorable for significant ice accumulation, particularly across northeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, and areas along the Interstate 20 corridor.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center places the Texas–Louisiana region within a moderate to high-confidence zone for impactful icing from Friday through Sunday. Ice accumulations of one-quarter inch or more are possible in some locations, with localized higher amounts increasing the risk of downed trees, power lines, and prolonged power outages.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as freezing rain develops. Major routes at risk include Interstate 20, Interstate 10, Interstate 49, and U.S. Highway 71. Transportation officials warn that bridges and overpasses may become slick first, and road treatments may be ineffective if freezing rain continues.
Utility companies across both states are preparing for potential service interruptions as ice builds on infrastructure. Emergency managers are urging residents to complete preparations ahead of the storm’s peak, including charging electronic devices, securing alternative heat sources, and avoiding travel once icing begins.
Motorists are strongly advised to stay off roads during freezing rain events, as even thin ice can make travel extremely dangerous. Emergency response times may be delayed if conditions worsen.
Behind the storm, Arctic air is expected to push deeper into Texas and Louisiana, keeping temperatures below freezing and preventing ice from melting. Wind chills may fall into the teens, extending hazardous conditions even after precipitation ends.
While some moderation may be possible between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, forecasters caution that the Midwest and East Coast will remain entrenched in a deep Arctic pattern into early February, prolonging winter impacts across the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.
