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Chilly Times Ahead: Arctic Blast Hits Shreveport, Causing School Closures

Street in Shreveport covered in snow during arctic blast

News Summary

Shreveport is reeling from an arctic blast, leading to school closures at Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School and AMI Kids due to power outages. While some parishes proceed with classes, others opt for virtual learning. A potential winter storm is approaching, prompting advisories from the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to stay safe and monitor road conditions as icy patches develop. Temperature drops to 18 degrees tonight, with risks of heavy precipitation and snow accumulation looming over the next few days.

Chilly Times Ahead: Arctic Blast Hits Shreveport, Causing School Closures

Shreveport is feeling the bite of an arctic blast today, with some schools closing their doors and others making adjustments to their schedules. The extreme cold has caused quite a stir, especially for families of students at warm locations like Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School and AMI Kids, which are both out of commission today due to power outages.

School Schedules Adjusted

If you have kiddos at the affected schools, it’s important to note that classes will not be held today. Fortunately, not every school has gone this route. Caddo and Bossier Parishes are proceeding with school as planned, while other areas like Claiborne Parish have opted for virtual learning, and several schools in Webster Parish, including Minden Montessori and Glenbrook School, have also decided to close their doors for the day.

Cold Weather Woes

Last night, Shreveport and surrounding areas experienced light rain, which has raised concerns about road conditions. While the Shreveport-Bossier metro area is currently in the clear and not facing any icing issues, some rural spots might still have icy patches, which could make driving a bit tricky. Residents are reminded to stay alert on the roads as conditions could change quickly.

Temperature Take a Plunge

The forecast doesn’t paint a rosy picture either, with temperatures expected to plummet to a chilling 18 degrees tonight. The wind chill will make it feel even colder, around just 5 degrees. Talk about bundling up! With the cold sweeping in, local shelters are seeing an influx of visitors seeking warmth. Street teams are doing their part, helping those without homes to find shelter from the biting cold.

Winter Storm Watch Issued

Looking ahead, residents should prepare for a winter storm that’s set to hit North Louisiana. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch and warning in anticipation of the snowy chaos scheduled to begin on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6 a.m. and wrap up by Friday, Jan. 10, at noon. If you live in the northern parts of the ArkLaTex, such as Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas, this storm could potentially affect you the most.

Heavy Precipitation Forecast

Get ready, as forecasts suggest we might see heavy mixed precipitation with possible ice accumulations reaching up to half an inch. And if that isn’t enough, there’s also a potential for snow accumulation of two to six inches. That’s a lot of snowballs waiting to happen!

Drive Safe Out There

As all this chilly weather sets in, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding everyone to drive cautiously on the roads. With such severe weather on the horizon, it’s easy to see how things could get dicey. Keep those safety measures in mind!

So, there you have it! Everyone in Shreveport should bundle up, stay warm, and keep an eye on the weather reports. It looks like the next few days will be quite the adventure!