Louisiana is gearing up for what could be a historic winter storm early next week. With snow, sleet, and freezing rain in the forecast, many schools, including those in Lafayette Parish, have already announced closures for Tuesday and Wednesday. As residents make last-minute preparations, here’s a roundup of snowfall predictions and insights from meteorologists across the state to help you plan.

HERE IS AN UPDATED POST FROM LOCAL METEOROLOGISTS

Selwyn Van Haaren, Unsplash
Selwyn Van Haaren, Unsplash
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Baton Rouge and Surrounding Areas

Henry Blakes (WAFB)

  • What to Expect: A Winter Storm Watch is in effect starting Monday night, with accumulating snow likely on Tuesday. However, details about exact snowfall totals and timing remain uncertain.
  • Advice: Complete your winter preparations by Sunday evening. Hazardous travel conditions are expected.

Acadiana Region

Trevor Sonnier (KLFY)

  • Prediction: Global models show the possibility of 3-7 inches of snow across Acadiana on Tuesday. Confidence in these totals is increasing as models remain consistent.
  • Advice: A Winter Storm Watch has been issued. Prepare for hazardous road conditions and monitor updates.

Rob Perillo (KATC)

  • Prediction: Snowfall totals could range from 3-6 inches, with isolated areas seeing more. Models suggest a mix of snow and sleet, but freezing rain is less likely, reducing the risk of widespread power outages.
  • Advice: Snow is expected to start Monday night, with hazardous road conditions lingering into Wednesday. If you’ve never driven in snow, it’s best to stay off the roads.

Chris Cozart (KLFY)

  • Prediction: Lafayette could see 3-5 inches of snow, with some areas in Acadiana receiving over 6 inches. Freezing rain may develop in coastal areas, impacting travel and potentially causing power outages.

New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana

Zack Fradella (FOX 8)

  • Prediction: Ice and snow accumulations could exceed 6 inches in spots, with significant travel impacts expected.
  • Advice: Prepare for dangerous cold and hazardous conditions.

Payton Malone (WWLTV)

  • Prediction: Sleet, snow, and possibly ice are expected, with the greatest accumulations on Tuesday. Impacts to roads could extend into Wednesday morning.

Shreveport and Northern Louisiana

Caroline Castora (KTBS)

  • Prediction: Snow is likely Monday night into Tuesday, with accumulation depending on the track of a Gulf system. Cold air is in place, increasing confidence in snow rather than sleet.

Matt Jones (KSLA)

  • Prediction: A rare Gulf Coast snowstorm is likely, with heavy snow for central and southern Louisiana. Exact totals are still uncertain, but several inches of snow are possible.

Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana

Wade Hampton (KPLC)

  • Prediction: Measurable snow is possible Tuesday, but models suggest a mix of snow and ice, depending on how a low-pressure system develops. Accumulations of 2-6 inches are being discussed.
  • Historical Note: The last time Lake Charles saw more than 2 inches of snow was in 2017.

Statewide Advice

Scot Pilie' (New Orleans)

  • Prediction: Accumulations of 3-8 inches are expected across much of the state, with hazardous conditions likely on Tuesday and into Wednesday. Travel could be nearly impossible until temperatures warm on Thursday.
  • Advice: This is shaping up to be a rare, high-impact winter event. Prepare now.

What You Need to Know

  • Timing: Snowfall is expected to begin late Monday night, peaking on Tuesday, and lingering into Wednesday.
  • Travel: Hazardous conditions are likely across the state, with icy bridges and roads being a major concern.
  • Safety: Prepare your home, protect your pipes, and ensure your pets are safe indoors.

This winter storm could be one for the record books. Stay tuned here, follow your favorite local meteorologists for updates, and most importantly, stay safe and warm.

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