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Another Winter Storm Possible This Week

Yes, believe it or not, it is looking more likely that another winter storm will be hitting South Louisiana this week!!!

Breaking It Down:  Forecast models are showing a cold front moving to the Deep South during the day on Monday.  This front will tap into the warmer and moist air over South Louisiana, and it will set off scattered showers.  Once the front passes through by Monday Afternoon, much colder air will filter in behind it.  As this happens, the rain will start to mix with freezing rain and sleet across the Baton Rouge to New Orleans areas after midnight.

During the day on Tuesday there will still be enough moisture in the atmosphere to sustain the wintry mix.  A disturbance will move east out of Mexico across Texas and into South Louisiana.  This could enhance the amount of wintry precipitation we will see on Tuesday.

Timing:  Right now the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas will be warm with rain on Monday.  The changeover will occur after midnight into Tuesday with a freezing rain/sleet mix.  The farther north you go from Baton Rouge there will be a better chance for sleet and then light snow.

During the day on Tuesday, as the disturbance moves over us, the freezing rain and sleet will continue all day.  Forecast models are showing possible accumulations ranging from 0.10" to 0.25" of possible sleet/ice.  This would cause ALL sorts of problems with traveling around SE LA along the interstates and other roadways. Temperatures will likely stay around the freezing point throughout the day...similar to what they did on Friday.  Areas near Alexandria could be ALL snow and they could pick up a few inches.

The wintry mix will continue Tuesday Night and there is a chance it may change to all sleet or a light snow in Baton Rouge and stay as freezing rain/sleet across the New Orleans area.  Low temperatures will likely be in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

There may still be some lingering wintry mix toward New Orleans on Wednesday Morning as the system moves off to the east of Louisiana.  Travel issues may continue since the temperatures will be around 32.

Advisories:  At the moment, the National Weather Service has not issues any Winter Weather Advisories, but they could be issued tonight or on Monday.  Please watch out for them!

NOTE:  Forecasting wintry weather across SE Louisiana is VERY challenging as we saw last week.  Be sure to watch the latest local news for updates on this next winter storm.  Also know that there is a chance that little to nothing could occur as well.  I will have a much better feel as to how much wintry precipitation we will get by Monday Afternoon/Evening.  Watch my forecasts on WWL-TV Eyewitness News at Noon and 5 PM in the New Orleans area.  -Dave

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