An historic winter event has sent a blanket of snow to cover parts of Central and South Louisiana. A Winter Storm Warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and will be in effect until 3 p.m.. The Cold Weather Advisory, also issued on Tuesday, will end at 6 p.m. while the Extreme Cold Warning will remain from 6 p.m. to Wednesday at 9 a.m..
Snowfall amounts are predicted to get between four to six inches of snow, with up to eight inches expected in Lafayette. Beginning on Monday, Jan. 20, temperatures dropped to below freezing and rain came overnight. Temperatures will remain below freezing through Wednesday and early Thursday morning, so any accumulated snow, sleet or ice, will stick around for most of the week.
In a public safety alert, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) urged people to stay off of roads in impacted areas as the number of accidents being reported increased. If travel is necessary, travel with extreme caution.
Their website, 511la.org, shows road closures all across the state. Some of the main closures in Lafayette include I-10 in both directions between I-49 and LA 415, at the intersection of Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffery and Pinhook Road at Vermilion River.
People are also encouraged to stay inside. When going outside, it is encouraged to dress in layers, as multiple layers of clothing will help maintain warmth. It is also suggested to cover exposed skin to protect from hypothermia and frostbite. For more information from the NWS about the weather and tips to stay safe, go to forcastweather.gov.