SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Our winter storm is playing out as expected with areas reporting about half an inch of sleet and snow overnight, and light accumulations of freezing rain mixed in. Roadway travel will be hazardous all day Monday and Tuesday as temperatures will not warm above freezing until Wednesday. Dangerous wind-chill temperatures are expected tonight.
Roadway travel will be dangerous today. Everyone should stay home if possible, but essential workers must take it slow on the roads as slide-offs will be possible with the sleet/ice, especially if your tires are worn. The heaviest accumulations have been through the I-20 and I-30 corridors. High temperatures in the 20s will prevent any melting from occurring today.
Any slush that forms from cars traveling over roads will be quick to re-freeze tonight as lows will fall into the teens and even the single digits north of I-30. A Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory are in effect through noon Tuesday. Wind-chill temperatures tonight will fall to -5 to +5 degrees across much of the region.
“DOTD’s emergency personnel will continue to monitor upcoming weather situations and will scout the area for safety on the roadways. Crews will be mobilized as needed in the event an area is threatened by severe weather conditions,” LaDOTD says in its announcement. ”In addition, DOTD crews will apply salt to any affected bridges and overpasses, remove fallen trees from the roadway and close roads as needed.
“DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through areas that may be affected by accumulations of ice on the roadways, especially on elevated surfaces. Please be on the lookout for crews and their equipment,” LaDOTD reminds drivers.