Welcome back, and Happy 2025 to all of you. As we return to the office, the winter weather has followed us. Below are the latest notes from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
No state declaration has been signed at this time, it is unlikely that the governor will declare an emergency in the next 48 hours. Beyond that, there is the potential for a regional declaration for the northern part of the state. More information will be provided based on updated weather forecasts. The critical time period will be from Thursday noon to Friday noon. That is when the state will experience the coldest weather. No stateside office closures are projected over the next 48 hours.
The most likely scenario is that in the northern part of the state (from Alexandria north), there will be extended periods of below-freezing temperatures, 12-14 hours in most locations. This will be accompanied by up to 1/10 of an inch (0.1”) of ice accumulation. Ice will likely affect the evening commute on Thursday and the morning commute on Friday.
The most dangerous scenario is extended temperatures below freezing, up to 28-24 hours daily, with ice accumulations up to ½ an inch (0.5”). Roadways will likely shut down on or about noon Thursday and continue until Saturday morning.
Louisiana DOTD has begun salting roadways and bridges along the I-20 corridor and will continue, as necessary.
There is a potential that water systems will be affected. Stay tuned to local officials for possible boil advisories.
Warming centers in Region 4 (Acadiana Region) have already opened, and more are likely to open over the next 12 hours.
Leave a Reply