A First Alert is in place for tonight into Tuesday morning. Louisiana will see its first freeze of the season. It will be a light freeze, but it may still break temperature records.
Temperatures are forecast to drop into the upper 20s north and east of the Baton Rouge metro area, and into the low 30s within the metro and to the south. These conditions mean a light freeze is expected across much of the region.
Related: Fall and Winter Car Safety Checklist
Louisiana Cold Weather and Safe Driving
Cold weather does more than chill the air. It can make driving more dangerous. The Louisiana Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) found that weather and road conditions affect how bad crashes can be. In 2024, Louisiana had 706 fatal crashes and over 59,000 injury crashes.
About 16% of serious crashes happened on wet or icy roads. Most deadly crashes occur in the early morning or at night when it’s cold and dark.
Related: Louisiana’s Guide to Safer Roads After the Time Change
What to Expect in the Morning
As temperatures drop near freezing, black ice may form on the roads. It’s thin and hard to see. Bridges and overpasses freeze first because they cool down faster.
North winds near 20 miles per hour could make it harder for larger vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, to stay steady on the road. If you’re driving early, slow down and leave extra space between cars to avoid a fender bender.
Also, remember Louisiana’s new Left Lane Law — the left lane is for passing only, and drivers who stay there too long even 1 mph below the posted speed limit could face a fine of $350 and possible jail time of up to 30 days.
You can read more about the law here.
How to Stay Safe Tonight and Tomorrow
For Home and Family
- Check on people who may need help staying warm.
- Bring pets inside before bedtime.
- Cover or move plants that could freeze.
- Disconnect garden hoses to protect pipes.
For Drivers
- Drive slowly and keep extra distance between cars.
- Check tire pressure. Cold air makes tires lose air.
- Scrape frost off your windshield before leaving.
- Be careful on bridges and shaded roads. Ice forms there first.
Final Thoughts
Even a light freeze can make roads slick and driving tricky. Take a few extra minutes to warm up your car, clear your windows, and plan a slower, safer drive. Small steps can prevent big problems — stay alert, stay patient, and get where you’re going safely.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo at (225) 351-0459 because help, respect, and justice are only one call away.