Houma Thibodaux News

The National Weather Service (NWS) has provided an update on the ongoing cold weather event that is affecting parts of the United States. As of the 2:00 PM update on January 15, 2024, there have been no changes in the hazards and forecast confidence from the morning update.

However, the NWS has added a freeze warning for Southeast Louisiana and portions of coastal Mississippi for tonight into early Tuesday. Additionally, a hard freeze warning has been expanded south along the Atchafalaya Basin for tonight into early Tuesday. Furthermore, a wind chill advisory has been expanded across the area tonight and early Tuesday, extending south across the Atchafalaya Basin to portions of the Southshore.

According to the NWS, light showers will continue to spread across the area this afternoon and tonight. As temperatures continue to drop this evening, there will be a transition from light rain to freezing rain over the northwest, slowly working southeast through the night. The NWS expects light accumulations in the Winter Weather Advisory area, primarily on elevated surfaces such as bridges, tree branches, and poles.

All rain and winter weather is expected to exit to the east early to mid-morning on Tuesday. However, the cold weather impacts will persist. Temperatures will rapidly drop this afternoon and evening into tonight, accompanied by breezy winds. This will lead to dangerous wind chills overnight into Tuesday. Wind chill readings across southwest Mississippi are expected to fall into the single digits, with teens all the way down to the I-10/12 corridor.

Tuesday will be bitterly cold, with portions of southwest Mississippi and adjacent Louisiana parishes struggling to get above freezing. The coldest morning is expected to be early Wednesday, with hard freeze conditions likely for most of the area and lows in the teens to mid-20s.

The breezy winds will continue overnight Tuesday night, with wind chills in the single digits to teens possible across the entire area on Wednesday morning. Central and northern areas can expect one more night of below freezing temperatures on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The moderation of temperatures is expected to continue into Thursday and Friday.

The NWS has provided a briefing that highlights the threats associated with this system. It is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this cold weather event.

The NWS update serves as a valuable resource for individuals and communities to plan accordingly and stay prepared for the ongoing cold weather event.