A *WINTER STORM WARNING* has been issued for all of south Louisiana from late Monday through Tuesday evening. Heavy snowfall looks increasingly likely for most of southeast Louisiana during that time. Snow accumulations between 3 to 6 inches are possible across the region. A snow/sleet mix will be possible south of the Interstate 10/12 corridor, primarily during the onset of precipitation. Areas that experience a mix will eventually transition to snow, but not before limited snow accumulations. A period of freezing rain is a possibility closer to the coast, where accumulations less than 1/4-inch are possible. Just like with rainfall, there may be isolated pockets with higher amounts. Accumulations are still subject to change.

Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become treacherous. Plan on slick roads and hazardous travel as early as Tuesday morning. Consider delaying all travel. But if absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. A winter storm kit including items such as tire chains, booster cables, flashlights, shovels, blankets, and extra clothing is a good idea. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive if you become stranded. Snow and ice will remain on roadways at least through Wednesday morning. Although partial melting might take place on Wednesday, a refreeze is expected Wednesday night. This could lead to a dangerous black ice potential on Thursday morning.

Make preparations for the dangerous cold before Monday, ensuring people and pets will have access to warmth and pipes are wrapped. Keep monitoring the forecast for wintry precipitation all the way until flakes start hitting the ground.

Tonight & Tomorrow: The Arctic Blast has arrived, and temperatures are set to drop even lower. Look for a morning low on Monday in the low to mid-20s under clear skies. This will be the first hard freeze of the season for the Capital Area, so be sure to protect all 4 P's - people, pets, plants, and pipes. All exposed outdoor plumbing must be wrapped/insulated by Sunday night. Although winds won't be overly brisk, there will be enough of a breeze to cause a wind chill. Morning feels-like temperatures will easily be in the teens. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday to account for the frigid feel. Cover all exposed skin and layer up if outside, especially for extended periods.

MLK Day will be chilly with a high in the low-40s. Most of the day will be sunny, but low clouds will begin arriving late. Cloud cover will only increase after dark ahead of the wintry precipitation.

Winter Storm: The “main event” of this Arctic Blast will be with a winter storm on Tuesday. This system will generally move west to east across the Gulf of Mexico sending a plume of moisture across the frigid air mass. The signal, or likelihood, for snow only continues to increase. At this point, measurable snow is almost a certainty across the Capital Area. 3-6" of snow is a good baseline for many, although isolated higher amounts are not out of the question. Closer to the coast, locations might experience a period of sleet of freezing rain. While that would eat away at some of the potential snow totals, a transition to snow should eventually occur in these regions and accumulate.

This appears to be a high-impact event. Treacherous road conditions and scattered power outages are possible. If snow totals end up in the forecasted 3-6" range, that would rank as one of the Top 5 snowfalls for Baton Rouge.

Arctic Blast: Multiple hard freezes are expected beginning Monday morning with lows in the 20s. Wednesday will likely be the coldest morning, largely due to a snowpack possibly dropping low temperatures into the teens. At these temperatures, exposed, outdoor pipes could rupture if not wrapped. In addition to that, a slow drip of inside faucets overnight could also help in preventing damage.

Especially at night, wind chills or feels-like temperatures will be dangerously low, as low as the low teens at times only recovering into the 20s and 30s by day. An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued on Tuesday night ahead of dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5-10°.

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– The Storm Station Meteorologists

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