❄️ A Deep Freeze in Pointe Coupee Parish: What You Need to Know This Week

This week, Pointe Coupee Parish and much of southeast Louisiana have been hit by an unusually strong cold snap and winter storm conditions for our region. A Winter Storm Watch and Extreme Cold Warning has been in effect across southeast Louisiana, including our area, with temperatures plunging well below freezing and even the threat of ice and hazardous travel conditions.

Local law enforcement and emergency officials are urging residents to stay off the roads when possible because freezing temperatures and slick conditions can make travel dangerous. The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office has specifically told residents to avoid driving in these winter conditions.

Schools and government offices across the region have adjusted schedules or shifted to remote operations as part of preparations for icy or freezing weather.

🌡️ What the Weather Has Been Like

• Temperatures have dropped into the teens and 20s overnight, with daytime highs struggling to stay above freezing.

• There’s limited potential for ice accumulation and slick spots, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.

• Sustained freezes over multiple days increase the risk of hazards like burst pipes, frostbite, and hypothermia, which can be dangerous in communities that aren’t used to prolonged winter weather.

  
  

🏠 Stay Safe During the Cold Weather

Here are some essential safety tips for residents of Pointe Coupee Parish during this extended period of cold weather:

🔥 In Your Home

• Keep heat on, even if you’re away — set thermostats no lower than about 55°F to help protect your plumbing.

• Protect water pipes: Wrapping exposed pipes or allowing a slow drip from faucets can help prevent freezing and bursting.

• Ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors since people often use alternative heat sources in extreme cold.

• Use space heaters safely — place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn.

  
  

🚗 On the Roads

• Avoid travel if possible. Even a light ice coating can make roadways extremely slick, and local authorities have urged residents to stay home during peak winter conditions.

• If you must drive, go slowly, watch for icy patches, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.

  
  

👶 People & Pets

• Dress in layers with hats and gloves when you go outside.

• Check on neighbors — especially older adults or those with limited mobility — to make sure they have heat and supplies.

• Bring pets indoors or ensure they have a warm, dry shelter with unfrozen water.

  
  

🧰 Be Prepared

• Keep a weather radio or phone alerts turned on so you get updates if conditions worsen or alerts change.

• Stock up on essential supplies (food, medicine, warm blankets) in case travel becomes difficult.

  
  

💬 Final Thoughts

Winter weather like this is rare in Pointe Coupee Parish, but it demands serious preparation and caution when it arrives. From protecting your home and pipes to staying off dangerous roads and checking on loved ones and pets, these cold conditions call for community awareness and care.

Stay warm and stay safe — and don’t forget to follow local weather updates as conditions continue to evolve.