Red River Parish is now under an Ice Storm Warning following a 2:00 p.m. special winter weather briefing with the National Weather Service, with forecasters expressing high confidence that a significant and potentially dangerous winter storm will impact the area beginning late Friday and continuing through early next week.

Forecasters upgraded the threat to moderate with a potential upgrade to major, citing a 50–80% chance of severe impacts to roadways, utilities, and infrastructure across the parish. Officials warn that this storm could be one of the most impactful winter weather events the area has seen in years.

Meteorologists are highly confident that freezing rain will begin between midnight and mid-morning Saturday, with conditions deteriorating a few hours after precipitation starts as road surfaces cool. Ice accumulation is expected to continue through the weekend, with Saturday identified as the heaviest day and night of precipitation.

Forecasts indicate up to one inch or more of ice accumulation across parts of the parish. Officials stressed that as little as one inch of ice is considered seriously damaging, with .25 to .50 inches of ice expected on power lines, increasing the risk for power outages and downed trees.

The storm is expected to arrive in two waves, with the Saturday evening wave predicted to be more severe than the morning round. Thunderstorms embedded within the winter storm Saturday night into Sunday could produce heavier precipitation rates, leading to rapid ice buildup. Red River Parish is currently forecast to be near the center of the thunderstorm activity, raising concerns for a significant freezing wave.

In addition to the ice threat, dangerously cold temperatures will follow. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero. Very cold starts are expected Monday and Tuesday mornings, and forecasters say below-freezing temperatures could continue into Wednesday night and Thursday, allowing for repeated freeze and refreeze conditions through Tuesday afternoon.

Utility and emergency response agencies are already preparing. SWEPCO will be staging crews in Red River Parish Friday night and Saturday to respond to potential outages. The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief team will also be available at no charge to assist with tree removal, roadway clearing, and other recovery needs if required.

Officials caution residents that emergency response times will be slower during the storm, particularly if roads become impassable due to ice.

Residents are urged to prepare now by limiting travel, securing emergency supplies, protecting pipes, charging devices, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Authorities emphasize that conditions may change rapidly and encourage everyone to closely monitor official weather updates.

The Red River Parish Journal will continue to provide timely updates as this major winter weather event unfolds.