Sharing from the Louisiana State Police.
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State Police are cautioning drivers to be careful as cold weather moves through the area over the weekend.
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The National Weather Service is monitoring a cold front that could create a mixture of rain and snow in south Louisiana late Sunday into early Monday, officials said.

The weather could affect roadway surfaces and create dangerous driving conditions, State Police said. Road closures are possible and expected across the state.

​”Before deciding whether travel is necessary, Louisiana State Police urges motorists to stay informed with the latest weather and travel conditions,” State Police said in a release.

”Freezing rain and sleet can cause bridges and overpasses to ice quickly, as temperatures near the freezing point. If conditions deteriorate, motorists are encouraged to refrain from driving until conditions improve. If ice accumulates on bridges and/or overpasses, LSP will work closely with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and our local law enforcement partners to take appropriate measures.”

​Call 511 for road closure information or visit the 511LA by clicking HERE. You can also download the Louisiana 511 mobile application.

​State Police are offering the following winter weather driving tips:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Reduce speed and allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Increase your following distance behind other vehicles.
• Do not drive using the cruise control in icy conditions.
• Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping.
• If you encounter a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer into the skid until you regain control.
• Use low-beam headlights if it is raining or sleeting.
• Ensure all vehicle occupants are wearing seat belts.

A FREEZE WARNING is in effect from midnight tonight until 8:00 AM Saturday morning.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 can be expected in portions of southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana, including Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

Frost and freeze conditions can kill crops and other sensitive vegetation, and can possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

​Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Click HERE to view the official alert from the National Weather Service.

Click HERE to view our Winter Weather Preparedness Page.