Let’s talk about it. Every time there’s a hint of wintry weather in South Louisiana, we go through a very specific routine. It starts with extended forecasts showing pinks and blues on weather models. Those images hit social media, and suddenly, it’s a frenzy of excitement, worry, and debate. Regular folks speculate, meteorologists weigh in, and everyone starts asking: Is it going to snow?

This week, it’s happening again. There’s buzz about an Arctic blast rolling into Acadiana early next week. The word “snow” is out there—but so is “freezing rain” and “ice.” What’s real? What’s hype? And what should we actually do about it?

What We Know So Far

  • Cold, Cold Air: It’s almost certain we’ll see a hard freeze. Temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s by Monday morning and stay there, with highs barely creeping above freezing for days.
  • Wintry Precipitation? This is where things get murky. Local meteorologists like Daniel Phillips and Rob Perillo at KATC, as well as Chris Cozart at KLFY, agree: models are hinting at the possibility of snow, sleet, or freezing rain. But the models aren’t consistent yet, and confidence is low about what—if anything—we’ll actually get.
  • Timeline for Possible Precipitation: If it happens, the window looks to be Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.

The Real Talk About Extended Forecasts

Extended forecasts are a double-edged sword. They give us time to prepare, but they also leave room for speculation. Apps, social media, and the internet flood us with updates, but it’s up to us to filter the noise. Meteorologists like Daniel Phillips aren’t perfect (no one is!), but they do their best with the information at hand to keep it real with us while also keeping us informed and safe.

And let’s be honest—whether it’s snow or just ice, South Louisiana isn’t equipped to handle it. Roads get dangerous, power grids struggle, and our infrastructure isn’t built for prolonged freezes.

How to Prepare: Pipes, Pets, Plants, People

We’ve been through this before, and here’s what to do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home:

1. Pipes

  • Wrap outdoor faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or towels secured with duct tape.
  • Let faucets drip (there are really cool automated tools for this), especially on exterior walls, to prevent freezing.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.

2. Pets

  • Bring them inside! Pets are not equipped to handle prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
  • For livestock or outdoor animals, provide extra bedding and ensure access to unfrozen water.

3. Plants

  • Cover sensitive plants with frost cloths, sheets, or blankets. Avoid using plastic, which can trap moisture and freeze plants.
  • Move potted plants indoors or into a garage.

4. People

  • Check on elderly neighbors, friends, or relatives who might need help preparing.
  • Have warm clothing ready: layers, gloves, hats, and thick socks.
  • If your house struggles to stay warm, consider setting up a small, insulated space with a space heater—but never leave it unattended or use it near flammable materials.

Driving Tips for Ice and Snow

Matt Collamer, Unsplash
Matt Collamer, Unsplash
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If you absolutely must drive (you probably don't NEED to):

  • Slow Down: Reduce speed significantly and avoid sudden movements.
  • Keep Distance: Leave extra room between your car and the one in front of you.
  • Avoid Bridges and Overpasses: These freeze faster than roads.
  • Prepare Your Car: Check tire pressure and ensure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid.

Lastly, Let's Take Care of Each Other

Jon Tyson, Unsplash
Jon Tyson, Unsplash
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We may not get the magical, made-for-Instagram snow day social media dreams are made of. What’s more likely is freezing rain, ice, and a lot of cold. That’s okay—we’ve got this.

Stay informed, prepare wisely, and take care of your people. And no matter what, remember: Louisiana weather and all fifty-level of her seasons love to keep us guessing, so keep an eye on updates from our trusted local meteorologists.

Here’s to hoping for a safe (and hopefully bundled indoors) week ahead—snow or no snow.

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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