Louisiana - In response to an impending winter storm, state offices across 27 parishes in North Louisiana will close at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 9th, and remain closed through Friday, January 10th. The closures affect parishes including Sabine, Natchitoches, Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Tensas, Franklin, Caldwell, Winn, Red River, DeSoto, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Richland, Madison, East Carroll, West Carroll, Morehouse, Union, Lincoln, Claiborne, Webster, Bossier, Caddo, and Rapides.

Officials have urged residents to stay informed about road conditions as the storm progresses. Motorists can access information on road closures and detours through several channels, including the Louisiana Traveler Information System. This system can be reached via the 511 phone line, the website www.511la.org, official LA DOTD Twitter accounts, and the "Louisiana 511" smartphone application. These resources are essential for ensuring safety during the winter weather event.

State troopers are advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. If travel is unavoidable, motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution. This includes adhering to all traffic laws, eliminating distractions while driving, and significantly reducing speed to accommodate potentially hazardous conditions.

Winter weather can create treacherous roadways, increasing the likelihood of incidents. Therefore, it is crucial that drivers remain vigilant and prepared for any changes in road conditions that may arise.