The Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness convened a winter weather warning coordination meeting at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Bossier Parish Library to finalize operational plans ahead of expected severe winter weather.
The briefing brought together elected officials, first responders, parish public works personnel, and representatives from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to coordinate response efforts as forecasts indicate the potential for significant ice accumulation across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 0.25 inches of ice is possible, an amount capable of causing hazardous travel conditions and widespread power outages. Meeting participants focused on determining where each agency would deploy crews to keep key roadways open and accessible should conditions deteriorate.
The Bossier Parish Highway Department reported plans to apply salt and brine to parish roads and to work jointly with DOTD to help maintain traffic flow on Interstate 220. DOTD crews assigned to Interstate 20 will oversee winter weather operations along that corridor.
“This level of coordination ensures that every partner knows their assignment and that our response will be unified and efficient,” said Bossier Parish Administrator Dr. Ken Ward. “Ice accumulation of this magnitude can quickly disrupt normal operations, so preparation is essential.”
Topics discussed during the meeting included roadway treatment priorities for parish and state routes, crew staging and resource availability, communication plans related to closures and hazards, and first responder protocols for crashes, stranded motorists, and medical emergencies. Agencies also reviewed potential impacts from widespread power outages and contingency planning.
BOHSEP officials are encouraging residents to closely monitor official weather updates, limit travel during icy conditions, and take steps to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants as temperatures drop.
Additional updates will be issued as the winter weather system approaches and conditions develop.