Lafayette, Louisiana

... Hard freeze watch now in effect from Thursday evening through
Saturday morning...

The hard freeze watch is now in effect from Thursday evening
through Saturday morning.

A hard freeze watch has been posted for all areas with the
exception of the immediate coastline for Thursday night through
Friday morning. Morning low temperatures will be in the lower to
middle 20s by sunrise Friday morning.

An Arctic cold front will usher in extremely cold weather
Thursday. These cold temperatures are expected to persist through
the weekend. The front will move through the area early on
Thursday... with high temperatures occurring early Thursday
morning.

Temperatures will fall rapidly through the day with temperatures
falling below freezing shortly after sunset across the lakes area
of southeast Texas and western and central Louisiana... and by
around 9 PM across lower southeast Texas and southern Louisiana.
Residents should prepare for extended periods of sub-freezing
temperatures Friday and Saturday... with high temperatures on
Friday in the low to mid 30s.

In addition... strong northerly winds will result in wind chill
values falling into the teens Thursday night into Friday morning.


Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A hard freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are
likely. Residents should prepare for extended periods of freezing
temperatures from Thursday evening through Saturday morning.

These conditions could kill crops and other sensitive
vegetation... and plants should be brought indoors or covered if
possible. In addition... residents are encouraged to keep pets
indoors or provide adequate shelter... food and unfrozen water if
they need to remain outdoors. Wrap exposed water pipes to prevent
damage to pipes.

Be sure to check on individuals that might need a little extra
help... especially the elderly and the very Young. Residents are
urged to use extreme caution when using space heaters... and ensure
that clothing and other flammable objects are kept several feet
away to prevent them from catching fire. If you have to go
outside... dress in layers and wear gloves and a hat.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... local media... or commercial
radio for the latest on this event... or visit our website at
weather.Gov/lakecharles.