The Farmer's Forecast: Snow and Hard Freezes Ahead
By Nick Mikulas
While the details remain difficult to pinpoint, a historic, incredibly rare winter storm is going to impact Louisiana, with the worst of it over the southern half of the state. This will be accompanied by very cold air, especially in areas that see snow. Here’s how I see things going.
Precipitation should overspread the state from west to east late Monday night. North of a line from Mansfield to Winnfield to Winnsboro, I expect only very light snow or flurries. So if you’re north of that line, your chance to see accumulating snow is low at best. As you go south from that line, chances for accumulating snow increase, and do so fairly rapidly. Rather than try and specify things with words, I’ll add a graphic to show you forecast totals. I think a widespread 3-7 inches of snow will fall south of a line from DeRidder to Glenmora to Simmesport. The only areas that probably won’t see totals that high that are south of that line would be Plaquemines, southern Lafourche and southern Terrebonne Parish. I still think they will see at least some snow.
Along with the snow, there will be gusty wind, and we will actually be fairly close to blizzard criteria along the I-10 and Highway 190 corridor as wind will gust up to 30 mph. The official blizzard criteria is 35 mph, so not far off at all. This snow will be a lighter, and fluffier variety than we are used to around Louisiana. Well, I guess we really aren’t used to this at all if I’m being honest! If I have any good news, it’s that I don’t see much of a freezing rain threat, so power outages should be limited.
After the snow clears, expect a statewide, hard freeze Tuesday night and Wednesday night, with lows ranging from 10-22 degrees. Some single digits are possible where deep snow is present, and skies clear. That is rare cold for the southern part of Louisiana, and you should most certainly prepare for that side of things as this event unfolds. I’ll be watching it all, and you can follow me on Facebook at Meteorologist Nick Mikulas. I’ll be covering it all right there!