**Shreveport Braces for Severe Ice Storm Amid Statewide Emergency in Louisiana**
Key Takeaways:
- Louisiana has declared a statewide emergency due to a dangerous winter storm system.
- Shreveport and the I-20 corridor face potentially catastrophic ice accumulation and prolonged freezing temps.
- Thousands of utility workers, National Guard units, and emergency supplies are pre-staged in high-risk zones.
Shreveport, La. — “Shreveport” is trending as northern Louisiana becomes the focus of a major weather emergency, with the state declaring a disaster declaration ahead of a potentially crippling ice storm. Governor Jeff Landry issued a statewide state of emergency on Thursday, warning residents to prepare for days of freezing temperatures, dangerous road conditions, and widespread power outages across northern parishes, including Caddo and Bossier, which encompass the Shreveport-Bossier metro area.
Governor Activates State Emergency as Ice Threat Intensifies
Gov. Jeff Landry signed Executive Order 26-006 on Thursday, January 25, allowing for the direct deployment of state resources, emergency waivers, and interagency coordination. The Louisiana Emergency Operations Center is now fully activated, and over 5,000 utility workers are staged statewide alongside National Guard troops, generators, meals, and high-water vehicles.
“I would much rather deal with snow than ice,” Landry stated in a public release. “This can be a very, very dangerous event.” He referenced the devastating February 2021 storm as a benchmark, noting this week’s system could match or exceed that event’s dangers, especially in the northern I-20 corridor where ice accumulation could exceed half an inch.
In Shreveport and the broader ArkLaTex region, the worst conditions are expected between Friday night through Sunday. Current forecasts predict a mix of sleet and freezing rain that could render many rural and even main roads impassable by the weekend. Significant icing on trees and power lines could cause power outages lasting days. Emergency officials warned that ice accumulation of more than 0.25 inches dramatically increases the risk of line failures and blocked access to remote areas.
Why Shreveport Is Especially at Risk
The reason “Shreveport” has quickly become a top U.S. search term is rooted in the city’s geography and exposure along the I-20 corridor. State Climatologist Jay Grymes confirmed that forecast models place Shreveport directly in the bullseye for the highest levels of predicted ice accumulation in Louisiana.
A series of Arctic fronts will sweep through northern Louisiana starting Friday, driving temperatures below freezing and turning rain into ice as it falls. Grymes warned that northern parishes could see more than 70 consecutive hours below freezing, with overnight lows dipping to 10°F and wind chills near zero.
The expected combination of freezing rain and sleet on Friday evening, followed by potential snowfall in the same area over the weekend, could effectively shut down the Shreveport metro and surrounding parishes. While central and southern Louisiana may avoid major icing, forecasters say temperatures will fall well below freezing across the entire state next week, raising supplemental risks like frozen pipes, heating fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
What Residents and Officials Are Doing to Prepare
Shreveport officials and emergency responders are urging residents to act now before conditions deteriorate. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is pretreating roadways and interstate overpasses. More than 10 million pounds of salt and 200,000 gallons of brine— the largest-ever winter stockpile for the state — have been deployed to northern staging zones.
Residents are being asked to stay off roads unless absolutely necessary and to monitor updates via the 511 Louisiana system. Shelters and warming stations are already operational, with 8 open across the state and more than 29 additional centers expected within days. The Fire Marshal warned about fire hazards related to space heater use, reminding families that 2025 saw 88 fire deaths — one of the highest annual tolls in two decades.
Emergency officials also stressed the importance of never using ovens or grills to heat homes and emphasized verifying working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. More than 27,000 smoke alarms have recently been distributed through local fire departments as a precautionary measure.
What’s Next for Shreveport and the State
Authorities say weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly late Friday and through the weekend, with restoration crews potentially unable to access affected areas if roads ice over. Officials stress that even priority routes such as interstates may temporarily close if conditions require. While Shreveport’s emergency services are experienced in managing storm events, the layered threat of freezing rain, ice, and bitter cold makes this system particularly dangerous.
By early next week, the entire state will feel the impact of the Arctic blast, with overnight lows in central and southern Louisiana forecasted in the low 20s. Shreveport, along with other north Louisiana cities, could spend nearly three consecutive days below freezing before thaw begins mid-week. Louisiana’s Public Service Commission warned that in rural and hard-to-reach areas, power restoration times could stretch beyond four days in the worst-hit regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is shreveport trending?
A: The city is at the epicenter of a severe winter weather alert, with heavy ice accumulation and subfreezing temperatures expected to cause widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
Q: What happens next?
A: The worst conditions are forecasted from Friday night into Sunday, with statewide freezing continuing into early next week. Emergency response teams are fully activated and staged for deployment.
#ShreveportStorm
