🥶 Brace Yourself! Hard Freeze & Winter Weather Are Headed Our Way

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a significant winter weather forecast that will impact Avoyelles Parish starting this weekend. We are expecting the coldest air of the season to move into the region beginning Friday night.

A transition from rain to freezing rain and sleet is expected to begin late Saturday night, January 24th, and continue into Sunday. Current forecast models indicate a long-duration freezing event. Temperatures for the Marksville and Avoyelles area are projected to drop below freezing on Sunday and are not expected to break the 32-degree mark until at least Tuesday.

Citizens should anticipate ice accumulation on power lines and tree branches. The weight of the ice is likely to cause tree limbs to break and trees to fall, which will block roadways and create hazardous obstacles. Due to these conditions, widespread power outages are expected.

WEATHER BREAKDOWN & IMPACTS: 1/21/26

• EVENT: Freezing rain, sleet, and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures.
• TIMING: Freezing precipitation is likely starting Saturday night ( 1/24/26) into Sunday. The hard freeze will persist from Sunday through Tuesday morning.
• TEMPERATURES: Low temperatures are forecasted to reach the low 20s and upper teens on Sunday and Monday nights. Daytime highs on Sunday and Monday will struggle to rise above freezing.
• HAZARDS: Ice accumulation will make travel dangerous. Falling trees and power lines will likely result in blocked roads and electrical outages.

COMMUNITY MESSAGE & SAFETY PREPAREDNESS:

Citizens are strongly advised to PREPARE NOW. Do not wait until the weekend.
1. POWER: Prepare for potential power outages. Have flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food ready. Charge cell phones and essential medical devices now.
2. PEOPLE: Check on the elderly and those without adequate heating. Stay indoors during the freeze if possible.
3. PETS: Bring pets indoors. If they must stay outside, ensure they have warm shelter and unfrozen water.
4. PIPES: Wrap exposed pipes and disconnect garden hoses now to prevent bursting.
5. TRAVEL: Anticipate travel impacts. Roads may become impassable due to ice and fallen trees. Monitor local forecasts closely.
6. HEATING SAFETY: If using a generator due to power loss, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Ensure smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are working.

Report all emergencies to the Avoyelles Communications Center by dialing 911. For non-emergencies, contact the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office Communications at 318-253-4081.

This information is based on the latest data provided by the National Weather Service and is subject to change.