Residents of Caddo and Bossier parishes are being urged to prepare for a prolonged period of hazardous winter weather as a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Sunday morning.
According to forecasts, both parishes will experience relatively mild but cloudy conditions with patchy fog overnight and during the morning hours.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly on Friday as rain showers become likely and temperatures begin to fall through the day. Northeasterly winds will increase to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. By Friday night, rain is expected to transition to freezing rain and sleet as much colder air moves into the region, with overnight lows dropping into the lower 20s.
Saturday is expected to bring the most impactful weather, with freezing rain and sleet continuing throughout the day. Precipitation may be heavy at times during the morning hours, and moderate sleet accumulation is anticipated. Temperatures are expected to remain nearly steady in the mid-20s, creating dangerous conditions for travel and infrastructure.
Freezing rain and sleet are forecast to persist into Saturday night, with a slight chance of snow developing after midnight. Additional moderate accumulation is possible, with overnight lows falling to between 15 and 20 degrees and wind chill values dropping to near 10 degrees.
On Sunday, lingering wintry precipitation is expected during the morning, including freezing rain, sleet, and snow showers, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. Highs will struggle to reach the upper 20s. Skies are expected to partially clear Sunday night, but bitter cold conditions will remain, with lows near 10 degrees.
Cold but drier weather is forecast to continue into early next week. Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the lower 30s, followed by clear and cold conditions Monday night. Temperatures will gradually moderate by midweek, with highs returning to the lower 40s by Wednesday.
Forecasters warn that heavy mixed precipitation could result in snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas near and north of Interstate 30 seeing up to 5 inches. Ice accumulations between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch are expected, with localized areas potentially exceeding one inch.
The anticipated ice accumulation could lead to widespread power outages, tree damage, and extremely dangerous travel conditions. Officials advise residents to closely monitor forecast updates and consider delaying all travel during the storm period. Those who must travel are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and carry emergency supplies in the event of becoming stranded.