Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are reporting that all roadways in Natchitoches Parish are open according to the La. Department of Transportation and Development.

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing tonight, therefore any water or melting snow will quickly refreeze into black ice causing hazardous traveling conditions.

We ask that you not travel tonight unless it is absolutely neccessary and drive safely while traveling from work to your homes.

Deputies, Louisiana State Police and LA. DOTD will continue to monitor road conditions throughout the night.

NWS Special Weather Statement concerning Black Ice:

Widespread snowfall totals of one to three inches has fallen across much of the Ark La Tex this morning, with the snow expected to diminish across Deep East Texas and the southern sections of Northcentral Louisiana this afternoon. However, temperatures will remain below freezing this afternoon areawide, with the cloud cover expected to diminish along and south of the Interstate 20 corridor by tonight.

The existing snowpack, clearing sky, and weakening winds will allow temperatures to quickly fall into teens and lower 20s this evening, and into the lower and middle teens areawide by Wednesday morning. As a result, any melting snow on the roadways, bridges, and overpasses this afternoon will quickly refreeze into black ice this evening, making travel very treacherous.

Temperatures will only warm slowly Wednesday, but will likely remain below freezing until early to mid afternoon, if at all. Thus, black ice on area roadways will remain a problem through much of Wednesday, with this threat again increasing Wednesday night as temperatures fall into the teens once again.

Travel is strongly discouraged across the region this afternoon through Wednesday. If you must travel this afternoon or tonight, please drive slowly, allow plenty of time to reach your destination, and allow extra space between you and the other drivers around you. Be sure you pack a winter weather survival kit, by including food, water, extra blankets, a flashlight, and provide a means to charge your cell phone or other electronic devices in case you are stranded. Be sure you have a full tank of gas before leaving as well.