New Orleans expected to have coldest day so far of winter
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New Orleans this week is slated to have its coldest day of winter so far, thanks to an arctic blast that's moving across the country.
Driving the news: Temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s on the south shore, according to the National Weather Service.
- The polar vortex is expected to arrive Monday night and stick around through Thursday.
- Gov. Jeff Landry issued a state of emergency related to the winter weather, and shelters are available in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
- Many schools are closed Tuesday in metro New Orleans. See the list.
Snow? Sadly, no, forecasters say we aren't going to have a sneaux day.
- But, rain is possible Monday with freezing rain or sleet on the North Shore, according to the National Weather Service in Slidell. It may lead to icy bridges and overpasses.
Meanwhile, Memphis and areas in north Mississippi are forecast to get 3 to 6 inches of snow.
State of play: Several days of freezing temperatures are expected southeast Louisiana, with hard freezes possible overnight Monday and Tuesday. "Feels-like" temps in the single digits to teens are possible, forecasters say.
- Wednesday morning will be the coldest. The current forecast has the "feels like" temp at 5°F in Hammond and 17°F in New Orleans.
- Protect your pipes, people, pets and plants.
- Residents should run the faucet farthest away from the water meter to minimize the chance of pipes freezing. The water should be a thin trickle. (More tips)
Zoom in: The city's overnight warming center for unhoused people will be open Monday through Thursday morning.
- Jefferson Parish also has opened warming shelters.
- Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Louisiana and the Sewerage & Water Board are suspending shutoffs and disconnections until the freezing temps improve.
Be smart: Leaders say they will monitor road conditions for ice.
Go deeper:
- How to prepare for a cold snap
- 5 of the best gumbos in New Orleans
- 11 great soups to try in New Orleans
Editor's note: This story was updated Monday night with the current forecast and weather-related updates.