When it comes to weather in Acadiana, Rob Perillo is a name everyone trusts. With decades of experience and his role as Chief Meteorologist at KATC, he’s widely known as our go-to expert for the region. As Lafayette prepares for a rare and potentially historic snow event, Perillo is pulling out his advanced tools like TruVu to give viewers a real-time glimpse of what to expect.

Perillo recently noted that covering this snowstorm feels similar to covering a hurricane, emphasizing its potentially disruptive impact on Acadiana. With technology like TruVu, KATC can provide a visual forecast of how the snowfall will develop, where it will hit hardest, and even what Lafayette might look like blanketed in snow.

Unsplash, Jason Mitrione
Unsplash, Jason Mitrione
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What TruVu Shows for Lafayette

In his latest forecast, Perillo shared an in-depth TruVu visualization that highlights:

  • Monday Night (Jan 20):
    • Conditions: Breezy and cold, with temperatures dropping into the 20s.
    • Precipitation: Rain and sleet starting late in the evening, turning to snow overnight.
    • Accumulation: 1-2 inches of snow by daybreak.
    • Winds: 10-15 mph.
  • Tuesday (Jan 21):
    • Morning: Heavy snow during the early hours, driven by gusty winds.
    • Afternoon: Snow tapers off, but windy and cold conditions persist with highs near 32°F.
    • Winds: 15-25 mph, creating drifts and reducing visibility.

Perillo’s analysis of the 18Z HRRR Model and Euro Model suggests that snowfall totals could range between 4-8 inches, with heavier accumulations south of the I-10 corridor. Wind gusts of 25-30 mph could lead to snowdrifts, making travel even more hazardous.

Watch the TruVu Forecast

For a closer look at what Lafayette could experience during this winter storm, check out Rob Perillo’s TruVu video below. It’s a fascinating visualization of how snow will develop and impact our area:

What to Expect and Prepare For

  • Significant Snowfall: South of I-10 will likely see the heaviest snow, with totals ranging from 4-8 inches.
  • Hazardous Conditions: Strong winds will create drifts and reduce visibility, making travel extremely dangerous.
  • Prolonged Cold: Temperatures will remain below freezing for an extended period, so take precautions for pipes, pets, and plants.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Rob Perillo and our media partners with the KATC Weather Experts will continue to provide updates as the snowstorm develops. Be sure to tap in with KATC on social media and tune in for the latest forecasts. Prepare now, stay home if you can, and enjoy the rare sight of Lafayette covered in snow—safely.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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