A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles for Friday evening, December 4. to late Friday night. An unseasonable snowfall is expected.

Another Gulf coast low pressure will form just offshore Brownsville, Texas on Friday, then move across the northwest Gulf of Mexico, before entering the northeast Gulf of Mexico by Saturday morning. This robust feature will phase in with a westerly disturbance aloft generating widespread rain by Friday afternoon giving way to snow by Friday evening as the Gulf coast low exits eastward.

Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Allen, Evangeline, and St. Landry Parishes, including the cities of Leesville, Alexandria, Marksville, DeRidder, Oakdale, Opelousas and Ville Platte will be affected.

The Friday afternoon rains will give way to a continuous snow during the Friday evening hours. Accumulations from two to three inches are possible during the night, ending near dawn.

Roadways and bridges may be impacted. Motorized travel is discouraged

A Winter Storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.