Crews with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are continuing proactive tree removal operations across the state, including in Natchitoches Parish, as preparations intensify ahead of an expected winter storm.

According to DOTD, the work is focused on removing trees and limbs that could fall and block roadways during periods of freezing temperatures, ice, or high winds. Downed trees are a common hazard during winter weather events and can significantly impact emergency response times and public safety.

DOTD officials say similar operations are underway in multiple parishes as part of a broader effort to reduce storm-related roadway closures and improve travel safety during inclement weather.

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling near work zones and to stay informed about changing road conditions. The latest traffic updates, road closures, and travel advisories are available through the state’s 511 traveler information system at 511la.org.

DOTD encourages residents to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and to monitor official updates as conditions evolve.

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All schools within the Natchitoches Parish School Board will be closed Monday, Jan. 26 due to inclement winter weather impacting the area.

District officials announced the closure following forecasts of hazardous road conditions, transportation concerns, and the possibility of power outages. While students and staff expressed enthusiasm about attending school despite the weather, safety considerations ultimately guided the decision.

The closure applies district-wide and includes all campuses and school-related activities. Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and bus drivers remains the school system’s top priority during severe weather events.

Families are encouraged to remain at home and take precautions during the winter conditions. The district will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates regarding school operations for Tuesday and the remainder of the week through social media and automated phone calls.

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A Natchitoches man was arrested Tuesday night after deputies observed suspected narcotics being thrown from a vehicle into the Cane River, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling Louisiana Highway 1 (South Drive) near Rapides Drive on Jan. 20 around 10:23 pm when they attempted to stop a white 2015 Ford Escape for multiple traffic violations.

Deputies activated emergency lights, but the driver failed to stop and continued traveling northbound. As the vehicle crossed the Cane River Bridge near Honda Village, deputies observed several baggies being thrown from the vehicle into the river. The vehicle continued northbound and eventually stopped in the River South Commons shopping center. Additional NPSO deputies and officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to assist. Four occupants of the vehicle were detained while the investigation continued.

Deputies returned to the Cane River Bridge area and located a cellophane bag containing suspected methamphetamine in the area where the items were observed being discarded. In addition, a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of three additional cellophane bags containing suspected fentanyl.

As a result of the investigation, Leonard W. Solitaire, also known as “Rabbit,” 43, of the 100 block of Vienna Parkway in Natchitoches, was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. He was charged with:
• Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine
• Possession of CDS Schedule II Fentanyl
• Second or Subsequent Offense involving CDS Schedule II
• Criminal Obstruction of Justice
• Littering

Deputies also learned Solitaire who has a prior arrest history, was wanted by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding warrant. He remains incarcerated at the Natchitoches Detention Center.

The driver of the vehicle was issued citations for faulty vehicle equipment, running a red light, and failure to signal. The remaining two passengers were released.

All seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.  NPSO Drug Enforcement Unit agents are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Deputy Cpl. J. Dranguet, Deputy T. Graves, Deputy J. Bellow, and Deputy Sgt. D. Halliburton were involved in the arrest.

“All Persons are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in Court”

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Governor Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency on Jan. 22 in preparation for the winter weather expected to hit Louisiana this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the State, taking effect Friday, Jan. 23. The winter weather has the potential to bring ice, creating hazardous travel conditions, extended power outages, and disruption to essential services. This State of Emergency activates the State’s emergency response and recovery program, allowing for direct state assistance to support operational measures at the parish level.

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As freezing temperatures move into the area, the City of Natchitoches and the Natchitoches Coalition on Homelessness are urgently seeking donations to support the operation of a warming center serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

The warming center is operating inside the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center at 660 Martin Luther King Drive and is intended to provide a safe place during below-freezing conditions expected Saturday, Jan. 24, through Tuesday, Jan. 27. Organizers say donated supplies are critical to ensuring the center can meet the needs of those seeking shelter during the cold weather.

Items currently needed include warm blankets, water, drinks, cups, plates, bowls, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, napkins, forks and spoons. Donations will be accepted beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. at the recreation center.

In addition to supplies, volunteers are also needed to help operate the warming center, with a minimum four-hour commitment requested. Churches, Divine Nine organizations and other community groups are encouraged to support the effort through donations and volunteer assistance.

Community members interested in donating or volunteering can contact the City of Natchitoches at (318) 357-3839 or the Natchitoches Coalition on Homelessness at (318) 753-0010 for more information.

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Trinity Episcopal Church will open an overnight warming shelter in its parish hall beginning Saturday evening, running through Tuesday morning, to support residents during the expected cold weather.

The church is seeking donations of lightly used coats and blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and supplies for warm drinks and meals, including coffee, tea, cocoa, and sandwich items. If power is lost downtown, shelter operations will move to the MLK Center, which has a backup generator provided by the City of Natchitoches.

Volunteers and donors can contact Mother Kris Paul at 443-734-4243 or reach out to Trinity Episcopal Church at 533 Second St. for more information. Shelter hours are 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are warning residents about another text message scam circulating in the parish that is designed to steal personal information and collect fraudulent fees.

In the latest version of the scam, Louisiana residents are receiving text messages claiming they have an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must immediately pay the fine by January 21, to avoid further consequences. These messages often include suspicious links and urgent language meant to pressure recipients into responding.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) advises residents to ignore and delete these messages.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid falling victim to scams:
DO NOT click on links in unsolicited messages from unverified sources
DO NOT respond to texts or provide personal or financial information
Delete suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
Use caution with all communications received from unknown or anonymous sources
Verify that any message is from a legitimate, official source
Watch for common scam indicators such as vague or misspelled URLs, poor grammar, or promises of rewards

Residents are reminded that the Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution, arrest, or penalties for traffic violations or unpaid fees.

To safely and securely conduct legitimate OMV services online, Louisiana residents should only use the official OMV website at http://www.expresslane.org.

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Two Natchitoches Central High School students recently placed among the top 10 in Louisiana during the Fall Qualifier of the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship.

Addison McGrath earned 6th place and Paityn Anthony placed 10th in Microsoft Word (Office 2019). The school praised the students’ achievements as part of its ongoing commitment to teaching real-world skills. Coach Jeramie Hale guided the students in preparation for the competition.

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The Northwestern State men’s basketball team returns to the comfort of Mike McConathy Court in Prather Coliseum on Saturday afternoon with one eye on the weather and one eye on East Texas A&M.

The Demons and visiting Lions plan to tip off at 12 p.m. Saturday in a Southland Conference matchup that has been moved up from 3:30 because of the effects of Winter Storm Fern.

The earlier women’s game Saturday has been postponed. Both shifts have to do with the visitors’ travel – the Lady Lions will head home to Commerce after their Thursday night game instead of having to do so in wintry conditions Saturday evening, while the Lions travel south after Saturday’s game for a Monday night contest at Beaumont vs. Lamar.

If local conditions worsen sooner than forecast Saturday morning, check http://www.NSUDemons.com and the @NSUDemonsmbb social media channels for the latest information about the game’s status.

The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with radio coverage on the Demon Sports Network, flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

The Demons (6-13, 4-6) come home searching for momentum after a tough 0–2 road swing that saw both games decided in the final seconds.

Northwestern fell at UIW this past Saturday when Tahj Staveskie converted game-winning free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining before suffering another gut punch Monday night at Houston Christian, where Kylin Green’s driving layup with nine seconds left sealed an 82–80 loss.

Despite the results, head coach Rick Cabrera said the team has stayed locked in during a week where uncertainty has been a factor.

“We just have to stay prepared,” Cabrera said. “Mother Nature is going to do what she wants to do, but we’ve got to stay focused on the opponent. Whether we get the good or the bad, we’ll make a decision after that. Right now, we’re focused on East Texas A&M.”

Even without a normal practice rhythm, Cabrera said the pause has allowed the Demons to turn the focus inward, particularly on the defensive end.

“We’re focusing on us, getting better defensively,” Cabrera said. “We’re not very good defensively, and you can’t win games like that. Defense wins games, too. Championships too. It’s good to have good offense, trust me, but defensively we’ve been very inconsistent.”

Those defensive lapses have been magnified late, as Northwestern has played five consecutive games settled in the final seconds.

“Paying attention to detail is so vital, especially in conference play,” Cabrera said. “When you’re up six and give up two 3s on back-to-back possessions, now it’s a one-point game. That’s very frustrating, and that’s something I’ve got to fix.”

Despite the heartbreak, Northwestern showed resilience and production from its veteran core.

Seniors Micah Thomas and Willie Williams led the way offensively over the weekend, with Thomas averaging 17 points per game and Williams close behind at 16.5, continuing his strong interior play.

A return home could be the spark the Demons need. Northwestern owns a 5–3 record at Prather Coliseum this season, a sharp contrast to its 1–10 mark away from Natchitoches.

“We need it,” Cabrera said. “Our last five games have been one-possession games. On the positive side, we’re three possessions away from being 7–3 in league play. That’s how important defense is. Eliminate two or three mistakes, and those are wins.”

East Texas A&M (8-12, 3-7) enters the weekend riding momentum after an 80–58 win over UIW on Monday, shooting 55.6 percent from the field with all five starters scoring in double figures.

As the Demons look to turn tight losses into wins, Cabrera said the margin for error is only getting thinner.

“These games are going to come down to the last two minutes,” Cabrera said. “That’s the league. You’ve got to make plays on both ends of the floor when it matters most.”

Monday, NSU is slated to visit Stephen F. Austin if possible in a game slated for CBS Sports Network coverage.

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Northwestern State University’s School of Education hosted the regional Educators Rising Conference Jan. 21. The conference brought students from six middle and high schools from five parishes in the region to network and participate in interactive competitions, according to event coordinator Dr. Kristen Authement.

Educators Rising is a national student organization that provides hands-on experience, mentorship and pathways into education careers.

Competition winners are as follows.

Creative Lecture
Junior High – first place, Khloe Kaufman, Northwestern State Middle Lab; second place, Presley Lapka, Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning
High School – first place, Carley Riley, BPSTIL; second place, Rene Lefebrve, BPSTIL; third place, Splendora Johnson, BPSTIL

Educators Rising Moment
Junior High – first place, Hannah Almasay, BPSTIL
High School – first place Jayden Doyle, Plainview High School; second place, Samantha Pueblo, BPSTIL; third place, Isabella Floyd, Plainview

Job Interview:
High School – first place, Madison Foster, Winnfield Senior High School; second place, Joe Lewis IV, Winnfield Senior High School; third place, Damontris Ford, Mansfield High School

Children’s Literature
High School – first place, Yuxi Zheng, Mansfield High School

Interactive Bulletin Board
Junior High – first place, Kinley Johnson-BPSTIL; second place, Braylee Johnson, Natchitoches Middle Lab; third place, Kylie Caballero and Charlee Ducote, Natchitoches Middle Lab
High School – first place, Ava Jones-BPSTIL; tied for second place, Jaidyn Griffin, BPSTIL and Annabell Harmeson, BPSTIL; third place, Caroline Church and Mia Hollier, Natchitoches Central High School

NSU student Shae’Aunna Johnson of Many is serving as state president of the Louisiana Association of Future Educators (LAFE) and Educators Rising Louisiana for the 2025-26 academic year.

Information on LAFE is available at lae.org. You can follow NSU’s chapter of Educators Rising on Facebook at facebook.com/nsula.edrising. Information on NSU’s School of Education is available at nsu.la/SoE.

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Pianist Sergei Kvitko will present a recital at Northwestern State University on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. A livestream will be available at http://www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE.

The program, “EXIT MUSIC (for the End of Time),” asks the question “If you knew that the world would end in one hour, what would be your playlist?”

Kvitko said the idea for this program was born out of two existential questions.

“As a church organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing, Michigan, for almost 30 years, I have to play a lot of funeral and wedding services,” said Kvitko. “It is always fascinating to me how people select the music they want to hear at these very different but equally special events. Not to sound morbid, but I started thinking: what would I want to ‘hear’ at my funeral service? What IS my favorite music? And the other question, if I knew that the world would end in an hour, what would I want to play, what would I want to listen to?”

Kvitko will play works by David Biedenbender, Johann Sebastian Bach, Kvitko, Franz Schubert, Olivier Messiaen, Eugène Ysaÿe, Lowell Liebermann, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Radiohead, Gabriel Fauré and Igor Iachimciuc.

“Thinking of my favorite pieces of music, from ‘Winterreise’ to Mahler’s ‘Adagietto,’ and from Radiohead and Bjork to Bach and Mozart, I quickly realized that none of these works were written for piano,” said Kvitko. “The idea of a recital comprised entirely of transcriptions of the most beautiful music was born, and the work of selecting the pieces and, in some cases.”

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Alexandria International Airport (AEX) advises airline passengers to closely monitor weather forecasts and the airlines’ flight-status updates prior to planned travel in the coming days. Inclement weather may impact travel conditions, both on roadways and in the air.

“Our primary concern is safety – for all those impacted, as well as that of our facilities,” said Ralph Hennessy, Executive Director of England Airpark and AEX. “Our AEX operations team, along with our airline partners and air traffic controllers, work together to ensure passenger safety, minimize disruptions, and otherwise support travelers. We encourage travelers to stay informed of weather conditions and their potential impacts on flight schedules.”

What Travelers Should Do:
1. Verify flight status – Visit your airline’s website or app for real-time updates on flight status.
2. Plan ahead – Check the weather forecasts, not only for the Alexandria area, but also your destination. Build in extra travel time to the airport and anticipate possible weather-related flight delays or cancellations.
3. Pack essentials – Pack necessary items, such as medications and device chargers, in your carry-on in case of unexpected delays.

In addition to monitoring airline sites, AEX travelers can find arrivals and departures at flyaex.org.

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Residents of Natchitoches Parish are being urged to prepare for a significant winter weather event as a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning, with freezing rain, sleet and hazardous travel conditions expected.

Cloudy conditions will persist through Thursday, with patchy fog possible overnight and into the morning hours. Rain chances remain moderate through Friday, with highs gradually falling from around 60 degrees Thursday to the mid-50s on Friday as colder air moves into the region. Winds will shift out of the northeast and increase to 10 to 15 mph by Friday.

Conditions are forecast to worsen late Friday night as temperatures drop sharply into the upper 20s. Rain is expected to transition to freezing rain after midnight, with gusty winds up to 25 mph increasing the potential for ice accumulation and dangerous road conditions.

Saturday is expected to bring a mix of rain, freezing rain and a slight chance of sleet, with temperatures holding near the lower 30s throughout the day. Precipitation chances are near 100 percent, and freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night as temperatures fall to around 20 degrees.

Freezing rain may persist into Sunday morning before gradually tapering off, with highs remaining in the lower 30s. Cold conditions will continue Sunday night, with lows dropping into the teens, followed by continued below-freezing temperatures into early next week.

Forecast models indicate the potential for significant impacts across the region. Ice accumulations between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch are possible, with localized areas exceeding one inch. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated, with higher totals possible in areas farther north. These conditions could lead to power outages, downed trees and potentially impossible travel, particularly during Friday morning and evening commutes.

Officials advise residents to monitor forecasts closely and consider delaying all travel during the storm period. Those who must travel are encouraged to use extreme caution and carry a winter storm kit, including emergency supplies in case of becoming stranded.

Weather conditions will continue to be monitored, and additional advisories or warnings may be issued as the storm approaches.

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Northwestern State University will host a documentary screening and panel discussion on “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect” as part of Black History Month. The film explores the life and legacy of the nation’s first African American Supreme Court justice and follows Justice Thurgood Marshall, known as “Mr. Civil Rights,” from his legal career with the NAACP to his 1967 appointment to the nation’s highest court.

The event is sponsored by Black Studies, Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies, the Gail Metoyer Jones Center and NSU NAACP. The celebration of Justice Thurgood Marshall’s legacy will include a panel featuring local judges and the NAACP Louisiana president.

The program will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the NSU Student Union Ballroom. Panelists will include Michael McClanahan, Louisiana NAACP State Conference president; Judge David Wiliams, Division F – 9th Judicial District Court, and Judge Monique Freeman Rauls – 9th Judicial District Court.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca L. Riall, JD., Ph.D., attorney at law, at riallr@nsula.edu. Riall is an associate professor and coordinator of Prelaw and Paralegal Studies and Indigenous Studies.

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The City of Natchitoches is urging residents to prepare now for a significant winter weather system expected to impact the area from Friday through Sunday, bringing the potential for snow, ice, freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions.

City officials emphasize that preparation must take place before Friday, as conditions Friday evening through the weekend may limit travel and response capabilities.

Resident Safety & Preparedness Guidance
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Protect plumbing: If temperatures fall below freezing, allow faucets to drip slowly—a steady drip is sufficient. Do not leave faucets fully running.
• Limit travel: Stay off roadways Friday evening through Sunday afternoon as much as possible to reduce accident risks and allow crews to operate safely.
• Shop responsibly: Purchase needed groceries ahead of the storm while remaining mindful of others’ needs.
• Prepare for power disruptions: Refill critical medications now. If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment, have a plan to relocate if an outage occurs. Charge cell phones, tablets, and backup power packs. Store extra drinking water.

• Generator safety: Never operate generators inside homes or garages and never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system.
• Additional tips: residents are encouraged to winterize their homes, bring pets indoors, and check on elderly neighbors. For tips on winterizing your home visit Winter (weather.gov).

City Preparations:

The City has been closely monitoring the incoming weather and has made these necessary preparations:

• The Public Works Department has communicated with DOTD to make sure all three bridges in the City are salted before the inclement weather arrives.
• The Utility Department has filled all water towers to ensure the City has adequate water for residents and customers through the weather event.
• All other departments have made arrangements regarding personnel, fuel and equipment. 

Final Reminder

City officials stress that Friday and Saturday will be too late to prepare. Residents are urged to complete preparations today and tomorrow to ensure the safety of their households and the community as a whole.

The City of Natchitoches will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and appreciates the community’s cooperation in keeping everyone safe during this weather event.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two out of three would be really good for the Northwestern State Lady Demons basketball team.

Northwestern (9-8 overall, 6-3 in the Southland Conference), wraps up a three-game SLC road swing tonight visiting rival Stephen F. Austin (13-5, 7-2) for the second and final regular season meeting between the two schools.

Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. at the William R. Johnson Coliseum with coverage on ESPN+ and a radio broadcast on 100.7 FM KZBL.

NSU split two road games last week, winning at Houston Christian, then struggling Saturday in a 10-point loss at Incarnate Word.

Coach Anna Nimz team has bounced back particularly well this season, owning a 6-1 record when coming off a loss. A win at SFA would be especially valuable, she said, because of the tight pack in the conference standings.

“The top eight in the Southland all have winning records,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “It is one big logjam. I’d rather get slapped in the face like we did last game now when we have time to learn and grow instead of it being down the stretch when that game could be the determining factor of our placement in the Southland Tournament.

“We’re fighting to get into the conference tournament and get a good placement and maybe that (loss at UIW) was the slap in the face we needed. Now we need to learn from it.”

On New Year’s Eve in Prather Coliseum, the Demons dropped a tight 76-71 contest to SFA. That game marked the beginning of a six-game winning streak for the Ladyjacks.

NSU has two of the top five scorers in Southland play in Vernell Atamah (16.6 average) and Nya Valentine (15.3). They are the only pair of teammates who each average more than 15 points per game in conference action.

In addition to the big two, the Demons have recently received scoring contributions in a big way from Stephie Salumu and Tiara Abron.

Salumu, a sophomore from Belgium, just came back after missing eight games. In the two games against Houston Christian and UIW since her return, she has averaged 11.5 points per game on 57.1 percent shooting with 6.5 rebounds and one block per game.

Abron has scored in double figures in four straight games and five of the last six.

While the Demons have two of the top scorers in league play, SFA has four of the top 14.

“They are very good,” Nimz said. “There is no drop off from the starting five to the next three in the eight kids they play. They play very well together, and they are very fast in transition. Every single one of them has the green light to shoot the ball, so it is going to be about being incredibly efficient. It won’t be about taking one individual away because that means someone else will be there because they are such a good unit.”

Expect many 3-pointers to be attempted in the game, as the teams are the top two schools in made 3-pointers in both overall games and in conference.

The Demons come back home for their next two games, hopefully starting with a visit from East Texas A&M on Saturday (pending a possible weather postponement) before hosting Nicholls next Thursday.

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The Natchitoches Farm Bureau has named Tatum Roberts as the 2026 recipient of the George R. “Ronnie” Owens Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the late Mr. Owens, who served as Parish President for more than 20 years and was a longtime advocate for local agriculture. Roberts, a 2025 graduate of Magnolia Bend Academy, is currently pursuing a degree in Agriculture Business at East Texas A&M University.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board entered executive session during its Jan. 20 meeting before voting to extend Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi’s contract through Dec. 31, 2028.

Prior to entering executive session, board members acknowledged the past year’s work and the challenges faced by the district, including staffing shortages, school closures, and major operational transitions. Board leadership noted that the district has continued to demonstrate academic growth and stability during a period of significant change.

Following the closed session, the board reconvened and considered the superintendent’s contract extension. Board members were informed that the extension does not include a pay increase. Instead, the updated contract focuses on revised performance metrics tied to district priorities.

Those metrics include graduation rates, ACT performance, student attendance, enrollment growth, and maintaining a financial surplus. Board members were told the performance objectives were selected from a broader list provided by the board’s attorney and were intended to present measurable challenges aligned with district goals.

The extension moves the superintendent’s contract two years into the next board term, a provision allowed under state law. The board approved the extension by roll-call vote.

The decision followed an annual evaluation process that board members noted was completed earlier than in previous years, allowing the board to enter executive session with all required documentation already submitted.

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Natchitoches Parish is expected to see a period of unsettled weather this week, with widespread rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing rain and sleet beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend.

Rain chances will increase significantly on Wednesday, with showers expected throughout the day and precipitation chances near 100 percent. Showers are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with a slight chance of thunderstorms and overnight lows near 50 degrees. Cloudy conditions and scattered showers may linger into Thursday, particularly during the morning hours, before rain chances begin to decrease.

Cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected on Friday, with daytime highs in the mid-50s. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate Friday night as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. Rain is expected to transition into freezing rain after midnight, creating the potential for icy roadways and hazardous travel. Precipitation chances Friday night are around 80 percent.

More significant winter weather impacts are possible on Saturday, with a mix of rain showers, freezing rain, and sleet expected throughout the day. Sleet is forecast to become more likely during the afternoon, though little to no accumulation is currently expected. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the upper 30s, with precipitation chances near 90 percent.

Freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night, with lows falling to around 20 degrees. A lingering chance of freezing rain remains into Sunday, with cold conditions persisting and highs reaching only the mid-30s. Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to drop into the 15 to 20 degree range.

Cold but drier weather is forecast to return on Monday, with partly cloudy skies and highs around 40 degrees.

Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, particularly during the weekend when freezing rain and sleet could impact travel and outdoor activities across Natchitoches Parish.

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