Extreme cold watch takes effect Sunday evening in southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi
An extreme cold watch takes effect Sunday evening and continues through Tuesday morning for portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, a weather alert posted on social media said. Dangerously cold wind chills ranging from near 0 to the lower teens are possible across the entire area, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The alert warned that prolonged freezing temperatures could cause water pipes to rupture. Officials urged residents to take protective measures, including dressing in layers and covering exposed skin with a hat, face mask and gloves if going outdoors.
Precautions to prevent frozen pipes include wrapping or draining exposed pipes or allowing faucets to drip slowly. The advisory also urged people to keep pets indoors when possible and to make sure outdoor animals have warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water. Residents were advised to check frequently on older family members, friends and neighbors.
Safety guidance for heating noted that portable heaters should be used correctly and that generators or grills must never be used indoors. Home heating tips in the alert included using approved heaters on level surfaces, keeping them at least 3 feet from combustibles and keeping an extinguisher near fireplaces. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
