An ice storm warning and an extreme cold watch have been issued for Madison Parish as winter weather is forecast to impact northeast Louisiana this weekend and early next week.
The National Weather Service Jackson said an ice storm warning is in effect for Madison Parish from noon Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters said ice accumulations of up to three quarters of an inch are possible, with additional sleet accumulation possible. The weather service said power outages and tree damage are expected and that travel could be impossible due to ice-covered roads.
An extreme cold watch is also in effect for Madison Parish from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. The weather service said wind chills between 5 below zero and 10 above are possible, with temperatures ranging from zero to 15 degrees. Forecasters said frostbite and hypothermia could occur if skin is exposed and that extended freezing temperatures could cause water pipes to rupture.
In response to the expected cold weather, the City of Tallulah announced that a warming center will be open at the Tallulah-Madison Community Center. City officials said the community center will open Friday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. and remain open through Monday, Jan. 26, for individuals who need a place to sleep or stay warm. The city encouraged residents to help spread the word to anyone who may need access to the warming center.
Madison Parish Sheriff Chad Ezell urged residents to prepare for the weather and limit travel. “Be mindful of the incoming inclement weather over the weekend. We are expecting a winter mix and below freezing temperatures. Please stay off the roadways except for emergencies. Please use caution, check on your elders, bring pets inside. The Sheriff’s Office will be operating and responding to calls as normal. Due to the possibility of ice, response time may be slightly delayed,” the statement said.
Entergy said its Louisiana utilities are preparing for the winter storm and have secured about 750 additional restoration workers, with another 500 en route. The company said crews are staging equipment, preparing infrastructure, and coordinating response plans to support customers in north Louisiana, including the West Monroe area. Entergy said ice storms are difficult to predict and that freezing rain can cause uneven impacts across small areas. The company said ice can increase the weight of tree branches and power lines, noting that a half-inch of ice can add about 500 pounds to a power line. Entergy encouraged customers to prepare emergency supplies, review winter safety guidance, and monitor outage updates through its Storm Center and digital reporting options.
The weather service advised residents to consider delaying travel during the ice storm and to avoid downed power lines. Officials also advised residents to dress in layers, allow water pipes to drip, keep pets indoors, and check on older family members and neighbors.
On Thursday, Jeff Landry issued a statewide state of emergency in preparation for the winter weather. The executive order activates the state’s emergency response and recovery program and allows state agencies to provide assistance to local governments as needed. The order applies statewide and remains in effect through Feb. 21 unless terminated earlier. The order also authorizes the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to coordinate response efforts and enforces restrictions on price increases for goods and services during the emergency.
State and local officials urged residents to monitor weather updates and follow guidance from emergency management, utility providers, and local authorities as conditions develop.
