Winter Weather Impacting State With Snow, Ice & Freezing Rain

"We did see some totals around three inches in some parts of the Shreveport-Bossier area.  The heavier bans on snow lined up just north of Interstate 20."

Hemmingway says temperatures will remain below freezing in north Louisiana for the next few days, which will keep the snow and ice around for a while.

"We won't get above freezing in fact we won't even come close.  Lows tonight will plummet into the teens.  We warm up a little bit tomorrow.  Probably get right at freezing."

Southeast Louisiana will not escape the winter storm. National Weather Service forecaster Alek Krautman says as the day moves along, it will impact commuters going home from work.

"It looks like in Baton Rouge, the ice and snow could be falling this afternoon into the evening.  For the greater New Orleans area, the time window is during the evening hours."

Krautman says there won’t be much snow won’t be much of a factor in southeast Louisiana. Any precipitation that falls will be in the form of ice.

"We are expecting trace amounts to under an inch, if it sets up with any snow bands.  Most likely that would be north of Baton Rouge.  So there is the potential of light snow accumulations probably under and inch."

State Police Troopers are working hard to keep drivers safe today. Portions of Interstates 20, 49 and 220 are shut down in the Shreveport-Bossier City area after the area received up to four inches of snow. Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says many roads are icy.

"We've seen a lot of people today driving around just looking at the snow.  That's not a great idea.  We ask everybody to stay at home if at all possible.  I know there are some people that have to work and that's understandable, but if you don't have to get out in this, then by all means stay at home."

For drivers who are out in the bad weather, Reichardt says to slow down. The posted speed limits don’t mean anything when the weather is this treacherous.

"Just because the speed limit says it's 55 or 70 on the interstate doesn't mean you have to go 70.  If you don't feel comfortable going that fast, just slow down.  We understand on days like today."

If you do find yourself in an accident and need the assistance, Reichardt says it could take a while for law enforcement to reach you. Just another reason to stay off the roadways.

"If you need help and it's an emergency situation, dial 9-1-1.  If you'r involved in a crash, just be patient.  We have a lot of troopers working several different things."

Forecasters say temperatures will remain at or below freezing through at least Thursday for many areas of Louisiana, which will refreeze any snow and water remaining on the ground, which will create dangerous driving conditions.