Louisiana Winter Storm Update – What to Expect on Sunday

(KMDL-FM) In a forecast scenario that at the very least would be considered "challenging," the forecast team at the National Weather Service, despite being down a few hundred scientists, has done a remarkable job of watching, warning, and updating us on a very dangerous weather situation.

READ MORE: Winter Storm Closes Louisiana Interstate

Unfortunately for them and for us, the vigil for the current winter weather situation will continue today as more precipitation in various states falls across Louisiana and the Gulf South.

When Will The Ice and Snow Come to an End?

The good news is that the rain and precipitation are forecast to end later today and this evening. The bad news in the Sunday scenario is that the Arctic temperatures will be taking hold here in the Deep South, and that usually means a plethora of plumbing problems and lots of brown, mushy plants in the yard.

The situation in northern Louisiana is the most critical at this time. The I-20 corridor has been dealt a huge white wash blow of ice, sleet, freezing rain, and snow over the past 24 hours. The icy accumulation has left portions of I-49 and I-20 impassable. For the latest on Louisiana roads, DOTD has a special site for that.

With temperatures expected to plummet into the lower 20s as far as the coast and temperatures not expected to climb above freezing until Tuesday afternoon in portions of North Louisiana, the task of turning the lights and heat back on becomes of paramount importance.

Actually, it's a matter of life and death. This is a deadly cold snap, and unfortunately, there will be a loss of life. We pray that won't happen, but history suggests otherwise. Here is where the lights are out in Louisiana right now.

The current stats, as of 0400 CST, showed about 71,000 Louisiana residents without power. The hardest hit area appears to be Ouachita Parish, which is the Monroe and West Monroe area.  More than half of the outages in the state were reported there. Caddo Parish, Shreveport, had almost 4,500 without power.

Unfortunately for those places, "round two" is heading their way this morning. It's possible the Shreveport Bossier City metro could receive an additional one to four inches of snow and or sleet.

READ MORE: The Unfamiliar Dangers of Bitter Cold Louisiana Residents Should Know

Along Louisiana's Energy Corridor, that would be I-10, conditions aren't nearly as bad. In fact, conditions along US 190 aren't that bad either. But if you do have travel plans along and north of US 190, that is where the freezing line appears to be situated at this early reporting time.  A quick check of temperatures found Alexandria at 31 and Opelousas at 34. So, the treachery starts somewhere between those communities.

The forecast for Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans is cold and wet. Very wet, to be precise, a quick check of the National Weather Service Radar shows we could be hearing thunder across coastal Louisiana this morning.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is speculating that additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches could fall across the I-10 corridor in showers and storms. Those showers and storms should be tapering off by Noon. Behind the wet weather will come the bitter cold.

The graphic you see below tells the story. Overnight lows between 16 and 23. Wind Chill readings in the single digits. It is no wonder many school systems have opted to cancel classes on Monday. The same might happen on Tuesday, as temperatures will not begin to moderate until Tuesday afternoon.

Unfortunately, when that temperature moderation begins, that's when frozen pipes will begin to thaw. And the "ice dam" that had been keeping water from your busted pipes at bay will suddenly melt, and you'll have an entirely different situation that will require your attention.

Is More Winter Weather Forecast For Louisiana Next Weekend Too?

There are some forecast models that are suggesting another winter weather event for Louisiana next weekend. The model guidance isn't nearly as robust as it was in predicting this storm, so this might be more of a miss than a hit, but the potential will be there, so forecasters will pay attention to it.

Meanwhile, we have a cold, rainy Sunday, or snowy Sunday depending on where you happen to be located. What will you do to pass the time? Eating and watching football appear to be a popular answer in many Louisiana homes. Perhaps instead of football, if it's not your thing,  you might consider some of these.