In this Dec. 8, 2017, photo, snow blankets Interstate 12 near Hammond during a rare freeze event. Louisiana is again bracing for rare winter precipitation week. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)
A National Weather Storm winter storm watch is now in effect for much of south Louisiana outbreak from Monday night through Tuesday. Heavy snow will be possible north of Interstate 10, with ice accumulations possible to the south.
The wind chill for Monday morning is expected to be in the teens and low 20s.
Recommendations have been issued to protect people, pets, plants and exposed plumbing throughout the stretch of Arctic-influenced weather. Multiple hard freezes are possible through Thursday in areas north of I-1o and to the west of Lake Pontchartrain, as well as on the lake’s south shore Wednesday morning.
Most schools and colleges in the impacted area have already cancelled classes for Tuesday, extending a holiday for those that recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday. The possibility of hazardous driving conditions and possible power outages have factored into the cancellations, which include some businesses.