Cold weather impacts will be greatest Monday through Thursday, but hazardous travel is expected Tuesday and into Wednesday, due to wintery precipitation.

At publication, Red River Parish in included in a hard freeze warning and winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service. Heavy snow is possible in the watch area with total accumulations between 1 and 3 inches possible. The watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon. 

Monday night forecast: A 40 percent chance of snow showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Wind chill values as low as 12. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday forecast: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values as low as 11. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night forecast: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Any wintery precipitation will impact roads, and especially bridges and overpasses. They will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.

Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.

Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.

Stay with RRPJ for continued updates as this artic blast moves through our area.