Lake Charles, Louisiana – A powerful winter storm forming over the Deep South is expected to bring dangerous ice, bitter cold, and the potential for widespread power outages to parts of Louisiana this weekend, with the greatest impacts likely in the northern half of the state.

Forecast guidance as of Jan. 20 indicates that a “devastating ice storm” is likely for portions of northern Louisiana, where forecasters warn that ice buildup on trees and power lines could lead to extended outages and a near total shutdown of some communities. The most critical factor remains where the rain transitions to freezing rain and ice, a boundary that will determine which areas see mostly cold rain and which face hazardous icing.

While Southwest Louisiana, including the Lake Charles area, is currently projected to miss the worst of the ice, forecasters stress that there is still some risk, especially for communities north of DeQuincy. Computer models are still showing a possible 20- to 30-degree spread in temperatures from one scenario to another, a difference large enough to change rain into freezing rain or sleet.

Strong Cold Front To Drop Temperatures Statewide

A strong cold front is expected to move across Louisiana late Friday into Saturday, sending temperatures tumbling back toward freezing by Saturday or Saturday night. At the same time, rain chances will remain elevated through the weekend.

That overlap of cold air and lingering moisture is what raises concern for freezing rain on Saturday and Sunday. Freezing rain occurs when liquid raindrops fall through a shallow layer of air at or below 32 degrees near the surface and freeze on contact with roads, bridges, power lines, and trees. Even a small amount of ice can make travel dangerous and increase the risk of downed lines and outages.

Forecasters say there is still a “great deal of uncertainty” about how much ice will form, and how far south any frozen precipitation will reach. However, confidence is higher for northern Louisiana, where dangerous cold air is expected to surge in behind the storm. In some northern locations, overnight temperatures may fall into the single digits, raising the possibility of multiple nights without power in very cold conditions if ice damage is extensive.

Ice Accumulation Probabilities Across Louisiana

Current projections for Saturday and Sunday show a clear gradient of risk from north to south:

• Along and north of the Highway 190 corridor
• There is a 50% to 75% chance of measurable ice accumulation (more than 0.01 inch).
• This zone includes central Louisiana and points farther north, where more significant winter weather impacts are likely.
• Between the Interstate 10 corridor and the Highway 190 corridor
• There is a 30% to 50% chance of measurable ice.
• This includes many communities in southern and central Louisiana where the exact track of cold air will determine whether precipitation falls as cold rain or freezing rain.
• South of Interstate 10 to the coast
• There is a 0% to 40% chance of measurable ice.
• Coastal and near-coastal parishes have the lowest current risk but are not entirely out of danger if colder scenarios verify.

Even light ice accumulation can create slick bridges and overpasses, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours when temperatures are coldest.

Expected Winter Weather Impacts

Forecasters also estimate the likelihood of minor impacts from winter weather — defined as winter driving conditions and a few disruptions to normal daily activities, such as delayed openings, hazardous commutes, or isolated power issues:

• Central Louisiana, roughly along and north of Highway 190
• 40% to 60% chance of minor winter weather impacts.
• Between the Interstate 10 corridor and Highway 190
• 20% to 40% chance of minor impacts, reflecting the uncertainty in how far south freezing temperatures will reach while precipitation is still falling.
• South of Interstate 10 to the coast
• 10% to 20% chance of minor impacts, meaning major disruptions are less likely but still possible under colder scenarios.

Officials note that these are probabilities, not guarantees. A small shift in temperature or storm track could significantly change outcomes for any single parish or city.

Lake Charles And Southwest Louisiana: Cold Rain Favored, But Risk Remains

In the Lake Charles area and the rest of Southwest Louisiana, current forecasts point toward a mainly cold rain event, rather than a major ice storm. As of Jan. 20, forecasters believe the region will miss out on the majority of severe ice, particularly closer to the Interstate 10 corridor and the coast.

However, areas north of DeQuincy may not be as fortunate. Those communities sit closer to the transition zone between rain and freezing rain, and even slight shifts in temperature could bring a higher chance of ice.

Meteorologists caution that guidance is still evolving. Some weather models continue to show a 20- to 30-degree temperature difference between possible scenarios across the region. In practical terms, that could mean the difference between a raw, 40-degree rain in Lake Charles, or temperatures dropping near freezing with ice forming on elevated surfaces.

One aspect of the forecast is more certain: colder air is coming to start next week. Even if ice does not materialize in Southwest Louisiana, residents from Lake Charles to DeQuincy and across Calcasieu Parish should be prepared for a stretch of significantly colder weather following this weekend’s storm.

Northern Louisiana Faces Highest Threat

The most serious threat is focused on northern Louisiana, where forecasters describe the potential for a “devastating ice storm.” In that part of the state:

• Ice accumulation is likely to be heavy enough to cause widespread damage to trees and power lines.
• Power outages could be extensive and last for days in the hardest-hit areas.
• Dangerous cold will follow the storm, with overnight lows possibly falling into the single digits in some locations.

The combination of prolonged power outages and very low temperatures raises concerns for vulnerable residents, including older adults, people with medical conditions that require electricity, and those without adequate heating.

Officials stress that residents in northern parishes should finalize their winter preparations now, checking backup heat sources, supplies, and plans for family members who may need assistance.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office: Winter Weather Preparation Checklist

With freezing temperatures on the way and the possibility of power outages, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to prepare ahead of the storm. The office shared a detailed checklist designed to help households get ready for potential winter weather impacts.

Power and Lighting

• Charge all phones, laptops, and portable power banks before the storm arrives.
• Keep flashlights with extra batteries easily accessible.
• Use LED lanterns for indoor lighting instead of open-flame candles, which carry a fire risk.

Food and Water

• Stock up on nonperishable food such as canned goods and dry snacks.
• Make sure you have a manual can opener in case electric openers cannot be used.
• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.

Warmth And Heating Safety

• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing for every family member.
• Dress in layers to trap body heat, including hats and gloves if indoor temperatures fall.
• Do not use outdoor heaters, grills, or stoves indoors. These can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Only use approved indoor heating sources and ensure proper ventilation.

Safety Essentials

• Keep a fully stocked first-aid kit within reach.
• Check and refill any necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications ahead of time.
• Make sure all adults in the home know the location of emergency shut-offs for water and gas.

Vehicle Readiness

• Fill your gas tank in case travel is needed or gas stations lose power.
• Prepare a vehicle emergency kit that includes:
• Jumper cables
• Blanket or extra coat
• Flashlight with batteries
• Snacks and bottled water

Pets

• Bring pets indoors whenever possible, or ensure they have solid shelter and adequate warmth if they must remain outside.
• Stock extra pet food and water to last several days.

Officials emphasize that taking these steps in advance is much easier and safer than trying to respond once roads are slick or power is already out.

Travel And Safety Considerations

If freezing rain does impact parts of Louisiana, drivers can expect:

• Slick bridges and overpasses that freeze first, even when main roads seem only wet.
• Reduced visibility in heavy rain or freezing rain.
• Longer stopping distances and an increased risk of crashes if drivers maintain normal speeds.

Residents are advised to:

• Stay off the roads if conditions worsen, unless travel is absolutely necessary.
• If driving is required, slow down, increase following distances, and use extra caution, especially on elevated surfaces.
• Check local forecasts and road conditions before travel.

Authorities also recommend that residents check on neighbors, particularly seniors and anyone with limited mobility or medical needs, both before and after the storm.

Forecast Uncertainty Remains High

While the general pattern is clear — a strong cold front, a storm system bringing moisture, and much colder air to follow — the exact placement of the freezing line remains uncertain. That line, separating cold rain from ice and other wintry precipitation, will ultimately determine how severe impacts become for specific parishes and cities.

Because computer models are still showing significant temperature differences in their scenarios, forecasters say the outlook for places like Lake Charles, DeQuincy, and other parts of Calcasieu Parish may be refined as the weekend approaches.

Residents anywhere in Louisiana, especially north of Interstate 10, are encouraged to:

• Monitor updated forecasts from trusted sources.
• Prepare homes and vehicles for winter weather.
• Make contingency plans in case of power outages or travel disruptions.

One thing forecasters agree on: colder air is certainly on the way to start next week, and the time to get ready is now.