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Another winter storm targets S. La.

School closures are announced as forecast calls for lower temps, more precipitation than last week

From staff reports.

Curfew Declared: Lee Hebert, director of the Acadia Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, announced Monday afternoon that the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office has declared a curfew on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from dusk until dawn Wednesday because of the freezing precipitation expected to cover the roadways and make travel hazardous.

For the second time in as many weeks, officials are cautioning residents to prepare for a rare south Louisiana winter storm. And if the forecasts turn out to be accurate, this week’s storm may be more hazardous than last week’s, which caused hundreds of accidents and power losses.

And in anticipation of the icy road conditions, schools across the area will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

All Acadia Parish public schools will close both days, according to notification from Superintendent John E. Bourque. Also, Bishop Michael Jarrell has ordered all Catholic school in the diocese included in the winter warning area closed both Tuesday and Wednesday. Northside Christian School also will be closed both days.

Additionally, due to Tuesday’s impending weather, the joint meeting between the Louisiana Rice Growers Association and the Louisiana Rice Council, which was scheduled for Tuesday night at International Rice Festival Building has  been cancelled.  

“We’ve never had to cancel these meetings before, but safety for our members must come first,” said Louisiana Rice Growers Association President John Owen.

A cold front moved through Acadiana during the middle of the afternoon on Monday. The temperature dropped gradually throughout the day with freezing conditions taking effect in the early morning hours Tuesday. 

Freezing rain is expected to move into the area by daybreak Tuesday (today) and continue steadily throughout the day. Some meteorologists are predicting 1 - 2 inches of snow over a large portion of Acadiana with some areas receiving as much as 3 inches. 

Ice accumulations are expected to be widespread and road and bridge closures are anticipated. 

The freezing temperatures are expected to last until Thursday. 

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