Louisiana Interstate Closed After Ice Covers Surface

(Shreveport, Louisiana) - A major winter storm is now impacting the northern portion of Louisiana, and conditions are only expected to get worse.

For a week, many have been preparing for a major winter storm expected to drop heavy ice across north Louisiana, paralyzing much of the state. Now that the storm is entering the southern region of the country, we are seeing photos of interstates in north Louisiana covered with ice.

Louisiana State Police reports that a portion of I-49 in Shreveport is now closed due to ice building up on the surface. I-49 is now closed at LA 526, and police are advising motorists to avoid the roads in north Louisiana if possible.

State Police are saying, "If travel is unavoidable, motorists are reminded to slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert for icy patches and emergency response vehicles. Do not drive around barricades—doing so is illegal and puts lives at risk."

As the storm moves through the state, much of north Louisiana could be blanketed with ice, and forecasters expect major power outages as ice accumulates on roads, trees, and power lines.

Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing for the next few days in the northern portions of Louisiana, so whatever freezes over will likely remain frozen.

As for the southern region of Louisiana, forecasters aren't calling for much ice south of I-10, but temperatures will be well below freezing by Monday and Tuesday morning, which could pose a danger on overpasses and bridges. Again, if you do have to be on the roads as temperatures dip below freezing, slow down and proceed with caution.

Take a look at a portion of I-49 in Shreveport. Below, you can see that an elevated portion of the interstate is frozen over, and traffic is no longer allowed on that section of the busy interstate.

We will continue to monitor conditions across the state and provide updates on this station's mobile app. Again, as conditions begin to deteriorate in Louisiana, authorities advise citizens to stay home and to stay warm.

As you can see, crews with DOTD have been working around the clock in attempts to make the roads safe as this massive winter storm approaches. You may notice that salt has already been poured on some overpasses, bridges, and roads in Louisiana.