Snow forecast for Allen, Beauregard, Vernon parishes

Southwest Louisiana can expect freezing conditions and precipitation but no severe weather over the next two days as an Arctic cold front moves through the region, the Lake Charles National Weather Service reported.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Allen, Beauregard and Vernon parishes with up to 2 inches of snow expected, NWS meteorologist Donald Jones said.

Parishes “along the Interstate 10 corridor” should not expect to see any snow accumulation, with the only flurries likely mixed in with rain, he said.

“In most areas the ground will be too warm. It’s (snow) going to melt in most cases when it hits the ground,” Jones said.

The front is expected to move in beginning at midnight Tuesday, with precipitation remaining in the region until about 9 a.m. A wind advisory will be in effect following the front, with speeds at 20-25 mph along and south of the I-10 corridor.

Tuesday’s temperatures are unlikely to rise higher than the 40s and, coupled with the wind chill, Jones said, temperatures will feel like the middle to upper 20s and upper to low 30s along the coast.

Winds are expected to diminish Wednesday, but temperatures are expected to remain cold. Temperatures will gradually get warmer by the end of the week.

Keep in mind “people, plants, pipes and pets” in light of the freezing temperatures and wind chill on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jones said.

A gale warning is in effect for coastal regions, like Cameron, with winds expected to be as strong as 40 mph. The high winds also will result in a low water warning for lakes and bays. For those with large vessels in the water, the “very strong, northerly wind will push the water out of the lakes and bays,” putting such vessels at risk for running aground, Jones said.

The weather service is not expecting any significant icing in the region, but Jones said to “keep an eye on roadways and bridges” as liquid that has already accumulated has the potential to freeze.

Tammy York, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation and Development, said the department has deployed 100 employees within the five-parish region to begin pre-treating the priority roads of I-10, I-210, U.S. 171 and U.S. 165.

“Roads farther north may see salt on them as well as a preventative measure,” she said.

If time and resources allow, the department may also treat the Louisiana highways impacted by the front. For current updates on bridge or road closures, visit www.dotd.la.gov and click “My DOTD.”

Tuesday’s temperatures are unlikely to rise higher than the 40s and, coupled with the wind chill, temperatures will feel like the middle to upper 20s and upper to low 30s along the coast.

Donald Jones

National Weather Service meteorolgist

Weather