re: Louisiana Ice Storm Thread *Winter Storm Warning*

You call that living?

I’ll work on a more detailed update later but for now here’s a quick update:

The model updates last night show the arctic air further north than south Louisiana. It still gets us cold but it’s nothing we don’t see every winter. The possibility of freezing rain/sleet still exists but the models last night certainly didn’t do any favors if you’re wishing for bitter cold and tons of ice.

Space city

Saturday and Sunday

A reinforcing shot of Arctic air looks set to move into the coastal region on Saturday, and this is what will likely set the stage for much colder weather early next week. Highs on Saturday may remain in the 40s, with lows dropping into the 30s for Houston, and 20s for inland areas well inland on Saturday night. Sunday may struggle to get out of the 30s, with lows Sunday night again likely below freezing for much of the metro area. Happy Valentine’s Day—this will not be the best of years for planning some sort of outdoor surprise!

Early next week

Quite frankly, we’re still struggling with how cold conditions will get during the Sunday through Tuesday period of next week as the models are really all over the place. Some ensemble members of the GFS suggest temperatures could reach their nadir on Tuesday morning, in the teens even in the city of Houston. This probably is too cold, but a widespread and potentially hard freeze does seem likely. It is time now to consider preparations for plants and pets, and if temperatures drop below about 25 degrees, external pipes. Please note the details of this medium-range forecast remain uncertain, and therefore will change. And when it comes to low temperatures like these, small changes matter.

Thanks

Why did I think you were on the west coast?

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I might get my first winter weather event in three winters of living in Little Rock.

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I wouldn’t get excited about this one. Ice storms suck, especially when they temps stay below freezing for several days.

I know! I grew up in Pineville and when I was around 8 or so, we had a big one that knocked power out for days. Had to survive like pioneers living by the fireplace in the family room. It was really beautiful, though. We kids had a blast playing outside but I bet our parents hated it!

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I know! I grew up in Pineville and when I was around 8 or so, we had a big one that knocked power out for days.

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Was this the late 70's (circa 1977)? I remember that one!

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Was this the late 70's (circa 1977)? I remember that one!

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There was a snow/ice event in Baton Rouge in January of 1978. I remember it vividly because I was in 2nd grade and we had just moved to BR and it was my first day at my new school. The teacher gave us black construction paper so we could go out and catch snowflakes.

The LSU lakes froze. I remember watching the news on Channel 9 and they showed people skating on the lakes. They played Paul Simon's "Slip Sliding Away" while they were showing the video.

So bizarre what memories of your childhood stick with you.


EDIT: I can't find anything on the internet that backs up my claim that the lakes froze. Can anyone in BR at that time confirm/deny?

cental LA had 2 big ice events in the mid 90s

I think they were in 95 and 97

I can't remember which one was the really big one, but we were without power for 2 weeks (we lived very rural)

It was one of the greatest times of my childhood. Entire family and pets camping in front of the fireplace. Sledding behind the 4-wheeler all day. Cooking on the grill for every meal. Just pure bliss for a young boy.