Southeast Louisiana is preparing for an unusual winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures next week, as an Arctic blast threatens to bring icy roads, freezing rain, and possibly snow. State and local officials are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact and ensure safety on the roads.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is on high alert. Crews are prepared to monitor bridges and overpasses, deploying de-icing materials such as brine and salt as needed.
- DOTD currently has 400,000 pounds of rock salt ready to treat roads.
- 4,000 gallons of brine have already been produced, with more expected to be used before the storm arrives.
Scott Boyle from the DOTD emphasized the importance of early application:
“When brine is applied, it lowers the freezing point of water, helping to prevent ice buildup on road surfaces.”
The Causeway Commission is also finalizing its strategy to prevent ice on the bridge. General Manager Carlton Dufrechou announced plans to reduce traffic to one lane in each direction to maintain roadway warmth and deploy circuits of patrol vehicles to keep traffic moving throughout the night.
Drivers are urged to:
- Slow down and allow extra travel time.
- Stay weather-aware, as road surfaces may freeze before closures are announced.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during freezing conditions.
With temperatures expected to plunge into the 20s, officials are warning residents to use space heaters with caution. Improper use of space heaters is a leading cause of house fires during cold weather.
The winter weather threat begins with a storm front this weekend, bringing possible thunderstorms on Saturday. Temperatures will drop sharply starting Sunday, with daytime highs in the 40s and lows plunging into the 30s and 20s by Monday and Tuesday.
The most concerning development is a Gulf low-pressure system on Tuesday, which could bring a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Forecasters are closely monitoring where the rain-to-ice transition will occur, warning of potentially significant impacts through Wednesday.
Stay informed, and take all necessary precautions to prepare for this rare winter weather event.
