Frozen Precipitation Spreading Across Louisiana – Saturday’s Update

(KMDL-FM) There is one media outlet that is referring to the current weather conundrum that is blasting the country by the name Fern. Here in South Louisiana, we won't likely be on a first-name basis with Fern, but "she" or "it" will be passing by close enough for us to pay attention.

READ MORE: Lafayette Schools Closing Monday Because of Cold Weather

In northern and central Louisiana, they are likely being called "Fern" by many other unpleasant names, as the storm system has already dropped temperatures below freezing in many of those locations, and snow, sleet, and freezing rain are occurring as we speak.

At the time of this report (0300CST), the temperature in Shreveport, Louisiana, was 30 degrees and dropping. The National Weather Service Office was reporting freezing drizzle. The I-20 corridor southward toward Alexandria and the LA Highway 28 corridor will experience the worst of this winter situation.

Needless to say, State Troopers and Louisiana DOTD will have their hands full in northern and central Louisiana this weekend. If you'd like to check road conditions anywhere in Louisiana. That link is to the map with all of the incidents and even links to cameras. Unfortunately, many of those cameras shut down during bad weather. Or at least they seem to.

Will Ice and Snow Affect I-10 In Louisiana?

For areas of southern Louisiana, the I-10 corridor, if you will, conditions are not expected to be as bad on the roadways. Here is the latest ice accumulation projection from the National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles.

The major change that we see in this map versus previous maps is that the Weather Service has extended the "ice accumulation line" a little further south compared to yesterday. They are also suggesting that there could be issues with ice along I-10 in southeastern Texas. So, if you have travel plans in that direction. You should confirm road conditions via the Texas Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service Forecast for the cities of Lafayette and Lake Charles keeps temperatures well above the freezing mark for Saturday, today. The overnight temperatures are going to be the ones that will determine whether you wake up to a wet driveway or a white driveway.

The overnight lows along the I-10 corridor communities should stay above freezing. Some locations might hit 32 or perhaps 31 degrees, but that should not be cold enough to create chaos on surface streets. You might find a slick spot on a bridge or an overpass; do keep that in mind.

Rain will continue through Sunday morning, and temperatures on Sunday are expected to climb near 40 degrees in South Louisiana, so that would melt away any ice accumulation from the morning hours.

When Will the Bitter Cold Temperatures Move Into South Louisiana?

About the time the rain comes to an end across the region is about the time temperatures will begin to plummet. Sunday night into Monday morning will bring some of the coldest air of the season to South Louisiana.

Temperatures in the lower 20s and upper Teens will be common across the region on Monday morning. Many school systems have cancelled classes because of the cold weather. Which seems like a wise move; it should help keep kids safe, and school officials will be able to determine any issues the cold weather may have created in school buildings and classrooms.

READ MORE: More Snow, Sleet, Ice for Louisiana Next Weekend Too?

For those of you who love the wintry weather, you might get another chance at sleet or snow next weekend with our next storm system. But I personally don't see that one materializing but remember, Mother Nature doesn't check with me or anyone else in deciding what she's going to do.

I had a friend suggest this would be a good weekend for eating gumbo and watching football. I can't disagree with that philosophy, but watching football and eating gumbo work in any weather conditions for me. So what are you cooking?