Thursday Update: Tracking Possible Ice Across Southwest Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - We are continuing to track the latest with the upcoming winter weather set to impact most of Louisiana over the weekend. Here's what we have for a Thursday Morning update.

REMINDER: When severe or winter weather threatens Southwest Louisiana, it’s best to trust local meteorologists. Jacob Durham, Wade Hampton, and Max Logano at KPLC, along with the National Weather Service, use reliable data and experience to give accurate, level-headed forecasts for our area. Unlike fear-mongering “meteorologists” on Facebook, local experts focus on facts, not clicks.

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Over the last few days, the forecasts and models had all stayed consistent for the most part. But, moving forward, we will know more since the short-distance models are typically more accurate than the long-distance models.

In the meantime, Southwest Louisiana residents should go ahead and prepare now by protecting pipes, planning for pets, and being ready to avoid travel if ice develops.

READ MORE: Be Prepared With Our Winter Weather Checklist

Here is information we got from our friends at KPLC on Wednesday evening...

A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for all of Southwest Louisiana except Cameron Parish due to the threat of possible ice this weekend.  According to Wade Hampton at KPLC, as of Wednesday evening, forecast models are still split, with the European model keeping the worst ice north of I-10, while the GFS model shows colder air reaching farther south. More reliable short-term models and new data from Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters will arrive overnight and should help clarify the forecast.

Latest Update from KPLC's Wade Hampton on SWLA Weekend Freezing Weather

According to Wade Hampton at KPLC, weather models are still showing a wide range of temperatures across Southwest Louisiana, which is why there is still uncertainty between all rain versus some freezing rain. New model data now allows forecasters to show estimated numbers. The GRAF model shows up to 0.13 inches of ice in Vernon Parish through midnight Sunday morning, while the rest of SWLA stays just above freezing with mainly rain.

The same model also shows much heavier ice well north of our area, reinforcing that the biggest impacts remain north of SWLA. Hampton says he still believes most of Southwest Louisiana will see a cold rain, but very cold temperatures are still expected next week after the rain ends. More updates are expected later today as new data comes in.