
Thousands Without Power Across Louisiana After Snowstorm, Single-Digit Temperatures
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - The morning after a major snowstorm hit South Louisiana, thousands across the state found themselves without power - an especially dangerous situation when the overnight lows hit single digits.
Across the Acadiana region, several parishes are reporting major outages, and those conditions continue across the South as temperatures remain slow to rise.

Ice and Power Outages
The extreme cold conditions that hit South Louisiana have lingered, with snow and ice remaining in the streets, on rooftops and trees, and even potentially weighing down power lines.
There are several reasons that lingering ice can be a problem for utilities that keep our homes habitable, and utility company are working around the clock to ensure that any outages are fixed as quickly as possible, given the condition of the roads.
SLEMCO, for example, is keeping their main offices closed in Lafayette while workers are out fixing power lines, replacing transformers, and more. However, the issues appear to be minimal in Lafayette Parish, and while a few hundred are currently without power, the situation is manageable.
"This morning's issues include wire down, transformers needing to be changed, and a few tree limbs causing problems," SLEMCO reported in their post on social media. "All outages are being assigned as calls come in. In other words, there is no backlog or list of calls waiting to be responded to. Crews report that roads are still very icy, but that visibility greatly improved when the sun came up and the fog disappeared."
Due to the ice and bridge/road closures," the company added, "travel time is still a bit higher than normal, but that should only get better from here."
Power Outages Across Louisiana
A look at PowerOutage.us shows that several parishes are experiencing more issues than Lafayette.
The parish with the most outages currently is Livington, which as of 10 am saw over 3,000 customers without power.
Vermilion Parish, to the south of Lafayette, has 1,600 without power while East Baton Rouge has 600, East Feliciana has almost 900, and Iberia has just shy of 500 without power.
What to Do If the Power Goes Out During Snowstorm
If the power goes out during a snowstorm in Louisiana, staying safe and prepared is all about staying warm, informed, and avoiding unnecessary risks.
First and foremost, keeping warm should be a priority. Layer up with multiple pieces of clothing, hats, and gloves to trap body heat, and close off any unused rooms to contain warmth in key areas. Using blankets and sleeping bags can provide extra insulation, helping you and your family stay comfortable as temperatures drop.
Staying informed is just as important. A battery-powered radio can be a lifesaver for getting weather updates and emergency advisories when other options are down, and it’s wise to monitor your cell phone periodically to check for outage updates from your utility provider—just be sure to conserve battery power as much as possible.
Fire safety can’t be overlooked either. While it might be tempting to light candles, it's far safer to use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risks. If you're using space heaters, ensure proper ventilation, especially with gas-powered ones, to avoid dangerous fumes building up indoors.
And when it comes to getting out and about, staying put is usually the best bet. Roads can be treacherous when icy, so unnecessary travel should be avoided until local emergency alerts indicate it’s safe to venture out.
At the end of the day, staying calm and acting smart can help you manage the situation until power is restored. Louisiana may not see snowstorms often, but a little preparation goes a long way when the unexpected happens.
10 Things Every True South Louisiana Driver Should Keep in Their Car
Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL








