We've put together the weather-related announcements received from our local and state government agencies about upcoming winter weather, arranged by parish.
If you'd like an announcement included here, send it to news@katctv.com
STATEWIDE
Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that Governor Jeff Landry has issued a proclamation suspending early voting on Monday, Jan. 26, for the Feb. 7 Special Legislative Primary Election due to projected severe winter weather across Louisiana. The Secretary of State’s Office will likewise be closed on Jan. 26. Early voting will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 8:30 a.m.
The Feb. 7 Special Legislative Primary Election is being held in the following parishes:
· Assumption
· Calcasieu
· Iberville
· Jefferson Davis
· Orleans
· St. Bernard
Voters are encouraged to view their sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones, or by visiting www.GeauxVote.com [geauxvote.com] and logging into the Voter Portal [voterportal.sos.la.gov].
The early voting period will continue through Jan. 31. Voters are encouraged to stay informed for any additional weather advisories, updates, or office closures.
Candidates or voters with questions regarding these changes may call the Elections Hotline at 800-883-2805.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued this statement: Meteorologists are monitoring the potential for winter weather and freezing rain for parts of Louisiana through the weekend. Northwest parishes could experience ice accumulations that could lead to hazardous road conditions and localized power outages. The winter weather will also bring freezing temperatures to most of the area on Sunday through Tuesday that could threaten exposed pipes.
“I encourage Louisianans to Be Insurance Ready for the winter weather by reviewing your policy, discussing potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent and keeping your policy information nearby in case you need to file a claim,” said Commissioner Tim Temple. “Stay informed by downloading the LDIConnect mobile app.”
LDI recommends Louisiana policyholders take these additional steps to Be Insurance Ready before the wintery weather arrives. If your home suffers damage due to extreme winter weather, such as water damage from a busted pipe or fire damage from a faulty heater:
- Contact your insurer first to file a claim. If possible, have your policy number and an initial assessment of the damage ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you.
- Take photos of the damage before cleaning up, and don’t throw away damaged items. You have an obligation to mitigate further damage by making temporary repairs. Keep your receipts for these expenses.
- Contact your insurer first to file a claim. If possible, have your policy number and an initial assessment of the damage ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you.
Be Insurance Ready for winter weather and stay safe. If you have questions about an insurance policy or have issues with an insurance claim, contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app on the Apple App Store [ldi.la.gov] or Google Play Store [ldi.la.gov], calling us at 800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov [ldi.la.gov].
Gov. Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency today in preparation for the winter weather expected to hit Louisiana this weekend. You can read it here. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the State, taking effect Friday, January 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.
DIOCESE OF ACADIANA
Safety and the Weekend Mass Obligation During Expected Inclement Weather
On behalf of Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, I wish to communicate the following guidance regarding exceptions to the Sunday Mass obligation during inclement weather forecasted for this weekend:
Safety and the Mass Obligation
Catholic canon law (canon 1248 §2) and moral theology (Catechism, no. 2181) excuse Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass if travel is dangerous and/or pose a health risk due to severe weather. Missing Mass under these conditions is not considered sinful. The elderly, the sick, and those with vulnerable health are particularly urged to prioritize their well-being and stay home during extreme conditions.
Act of Spiritual Communion
Those unable to attend are encouraged to make a Spiritual Communion, watch a televised/online Mass, pray with the readings for this weekend, pray a rosary, etc.
Mass Schedule
Local pastors are hereby authorized to alter Mass schedules if grave conditions in their area make travel or gathering hazardous. Parishioners are advised to check their local Mass schedule.
-Monsignor W. Curtis Mallet, JCL
Vicar General
15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
Operations of the court - in Acadia, Vermilion and Lafayette parishes - will be closed on Monday.
Here's the judge's order:
16th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
Acting in accordance with Louisiana Constitution Article V, Section 1 and the inherent powers for this Court: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that pursuant to La. R.S. 1:55(E)(2) and considering the conditions created by winter weather and freezing conditions, the Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Court offices and Clerk of Court offices in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary Parishes shall close Monday, January 26, 2026.
ACADIA PARISH
Media, emergency service providers, the public, and all other interested parties and personnel are hereby notified that on Saturday, January 24, 2026, ALL Non-Essential personnel will be off and Crowley City Hall will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to forecasted freezing temperatures and road closures.
Town of Basile water customers, please be advised that water will be turned off starting Sunday evening at 10:00 pm and the water will be turned back on at 6:00 am Monday morning. This process will be repeated for Monday evening and Tuesday morning. The weather conditions will be monitored for Tuesday evening and Wednesday before any decisions will be made about turning off the water. ALSO, all Town of Basile water customers will be under a SYSTEM-WIDE BOIL ADVISORY beginning Sunday evening at 10:00 pm, until further notice.
CALCASIEU PARISH
The City of Lake Charles will be open with normal business hours on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Transit and Solid Waste routes are expected to run on schedule provided road conditions remain favorable. As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, the Enterprise Boulevard Overpass, between Fournet Street and the I-10 Service Road, and the Shattuck Street Overpass, between Opelousas Street and the I-10 Service Road, are closed due to the potential for icy road conditions. The overpasses will remain closed until further notice. Public safety employees and public works crews are continuously monitoring conditions and will reopen the overpasses as soon as the threat of icy road conditions passes.
Currently, North Martin Luther King Highway remains an alternative route within the City of Lake Charles.
Local public safety agencies would like to remind residents that emergency services are not affected by these closures and should a resident need emergency assistance, dial 911.
Motorists are urged to avoid travel on roadways if possible, into the evening and nighttime hours. If travel is necessary, motorists should take caution while driving due to the possibility of ice that is not visible.
For more information on City of Lake Charles services, call (337) 491-1346, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com [cityoflakecharles.com] and follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana [facebook.com].
To connect with community resources, dial 211. As always, in the event of an emergency, dial 911.
Sign up to receive alerts and notifications from the City of Lake Charles at Alerts & Notifications • CivicPlus Portal [portal.civicplus.com] or by texting LakeCharles to 38276.
EVANGELINE PARISH
Good morning, please let people know that customers of Bayou Des Cannes Water System is shutting water off Sunday and Monday night at 10pm and turning it back on at 6am. We will be under a boil water advisory starting Sunday night once water is turned off until further notice.
IBERIA PARISH
Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard announces the Declaration of a Local Emergency for Iberia Parish, Louisiana, due to the threat of dangerous conditions, including freezing cold temperatures and wind chills, freezing rain with ice accumulation and below-freezing conditions persisting for 24-48 hours, creating hazardous driving conditions and potential disruptions to infrastructure. This declaration is necessary to minimize the effects of the anticipated weather event by maximizing the use of local resources and support to maintain order and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens, property, and assets of Iberia Parish. The Parish President, acting under the authority granted by Louisiana law, including but not limited to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act (LSA-R.S. 29:721, et seq.), the Iberia Parish Home Rule Charter, and other applicable ordinances and statutes, has declared this emergency to ensure the Parish is prepared to respond effectively. Effective Sunday, January 25, 2026 this State of Local Emergency activates all Emergency Operations Plans, with the Iberia Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security designated as the point of contact for coordinating response efforts.
Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard announces the opening of a warming center, in partnership with the City of New Iberia and Iberia Parish C.E.R.T., to assist families who are facing heating challenges during the upcoming extreme cold weather. The center will be located at the Robert B. Green Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1201 Field Street, New Iberia, LA 70560. It will open at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 25 and close on Tuesday,
January 27 at 11:00 AM. Families are asked to bring their own meals, blankets, and any other personal comforts or items they may need during their stay. Individuals experiencing homelessness are encouraged to visit the homeless shelter located at 307 Robertson Street, New Iberia, LA 70560. Iberia Parish Government urges the community to share this information with those who may benefit from the warming center.
For more information, please contact the Iberia Parish Government Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at 337-369-4427
Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard announces that due to the continued frigid temperatures and hazardous road conditions Iberia Parish Government offices and the Iberia Parish Courthouse will be closed, Monday, January 26, 2026. Employees are expected to report to work on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, unless otherwise notified. President Richard encourages everyone to stay safe, take necessary precautions, and avoid unnecessary travel to reduce the risk of accidents and allow emergency services to operate effectively during these severe weather conditions.
Due to an Extreme Cold Warning and freezing weather conditions, all New Iberia City Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
JEFF DAVIS PARISH
All locations of JD Bank will have a delayed opening until 10:30 am on Monday, January 26, 2026. We are monitoring the weather and will continue to update our Facebook with other notices.
LAFAYETTE PARISH
With temperatures forecasted to fall below freezing in Lafayette, water conservation is essential to maintaining sufficient water pressure in the system. Damage from frozen and burst pipes in the system, along with an overuse of water by customers can cause a drop in water pressure. By reducing water usage, LUS can continue to maintain adequate water pressure levels for household use and critical public health and safety needs, such as hospitals and emergency services like fire protection.
The following tips are provided to help protect your home and/or business and support stable water pressures for essential public health and safety needs:
- Open indoor cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
- Locate your home and/or business’s hand cut-off valve in case of an emergency
- Traditional location: It is usually located 1–2 feet from the water meter going toward the house and/or business
- Other locations: In older homes and/or business, it may be located on an outdoor faucet; in newer homes, it is often found in the garage
- Pictures of examples are available in the Hurricane Handbook (page 37) and on LUS social media: Facebook [facebook.com] and Instagram [instagram.com]
- If you are unsure where your home and/or business’s cut-off valve is located, we recommend contacting a licensed plumber in advance before an emergency occurs
- Insulate exposed pipes outside, in the attic, and beneath your home and/or business
- Cover outdoor faucets
- Maintain your home and/or business’s temperature between 60-68 degrees
To report a utility issue, please call (337) 291-5700. For other service requests, please dial 311.
In addition, here are some essential tips to keep your household warm while reducing risks:
- Keep your fireplace clean when in regular use
- Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
- Don’t use a space heater if the cord is damaged
- NEVER use an oven to heat your home
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources
LAFAYETTE WARMING SHELTER TO OPEN IN ADVANCE OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES
In response to forecasted freezing temperatures, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), in coordination with the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) and community partners, will open a warming shelter at the Dupuis Recreation Center beginning Saturday, January 24, at 6:00 p.m. The warming shelter will remain open through Tuesday, January 27, at 10:00 a.m., providing overnight refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness or those without adequate heat as freezing conditions impact Lafayette Parish.
Transportation Assistance
Transportation to the warming shelter will be available Saturday, January 24, through the Lafayette Transit System (LTS). Individuals seeking shelter may present at:
- 401 St. John Street (near St. Joseph’s Diner), or
- Any active bus stop along an LTS route
All LTS fees will be waived for individuals seeking transportation to the warming shelter. Anyone needing additional transportation assistance is encouraged to call 211.
Donation Information
To help ensure warming shelter operations remain focused on guest safety and care, all donations should be directed to ARCH ShareHouse, located at 211-A Guilbeau Road, today and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Items most needed at this time include:
- New or gently used towels
- New, travel-size hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap/shower gel, deodorant)
- New, packaged underwear in various sizes
- New or gently used pillows
Given the imminent threat of extreme weather involving freezing temperatures and potential icing of roads, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet has officially declared a state of emergency for Lafayette Parish this January 25, 2026, at 7:30 am. The signed declaration can be found here >> Emergency Declaration—January 25, 2026—Signed by MBB [lafayettela.gov].
Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and the potential for hazardous roadway conditions, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) will close all City-Parish buildings on Monday, January 26, 2026. Additionally, Lafayette Transit System (LTS) services will not operate on Monday due to expected roadway conditions associated with freezing temperatures and ice accumulation, especially on overpasses.
At this time, Acadiana Waste Services (AWS) will continue operating on its regular collection schedule. Residents are encouraged to place carts curbside as usual. Any changes to garbage and recycling collection services will be communicated should conditions worsen.
LCG crews are actively monitoring weather conditions and roadway impacts as freezing temperatures move into the area. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert for icy conditions, and use extreme caution if driving is required. Stay tuned to official channels for key public safety information and subscribe to LafayetteNOW [embeds.regroupcloud.com] for emergency alert notifications if you haven’t done so already.
The Administrative Offices of the Town of Duson will be closed on Monday January 26, 2026. This includes Town Hall, Public Works and Police Station. Police, Fire and emergency utilities personnel will be on duty for any emergencies.
LAFAYETTE CITY COURT SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 A.M. AND 1:00 P.M., MONDAY JANUARY 26, 2026, ARE CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESET BY THE COURT. (WINTER STORM). ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, THE CITY COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. YOU ARE ASKED NOT TO COME TO THE COURTHOUSE UNTIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS, 8:30 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. PLEASE MAKE SAFETY YOUR FIRST PRIORITY AND DO NOT TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE HAS DECLARED “CIVIL LEAVE” FOR ALL LCG EMPLOYEES UNTIL 12:00 A.M., TUESDAY JANUARY 27, 2026. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS DECLARATION, THE JUDGES OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COURT ARE CANCELLING ALL CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC COURT SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026. THIS INCLUDES BOTH THE 9:00 A.M. AND THE 1:00 P.M. SESSIONS. The Lafayette City Court building will be closed until 8:30 A.M., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at which time it will reopen for normal business. The Court will resume normal court sessions on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. IT IS NOT NECESSARY THAT YOU APPEAR AT THE COURTHOUSE ON YOUR COURT DATE SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 26, 2026. ALL CASES SCHEDULED FOR COURT ON THE ABOVE CANCELLED SESSIONS WILL BE RESET BY THE COURT. This includes but is not limited to all criminal and traffic matters. ALL MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, AND THEREAFTER, WILL REMAIN AS SCHEDULED AND YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT AS SHOWN ON YOUR NOTICE. The court will send notice to the last address that was provided on file. All efforts will be made to contact each party so the more information that you provide the better the chance of being notified of your new court date. It is the party’s responsibility to ensure that the court has a current address. If your address has changed, or if you do not receive a new notice in the mail within two weeks of your cancelled court date, you should:
• Check for your new court date online by going to the Court’s website at https://www.citycourtlafayettela.org/Home.aspx and follow the directions on how to view your case information online. This does not apply to Civil and Juvenile matters. You will be contacted by the Civil or Juvenile Department to reschedule your court matter; or
• Inquire by coming to the Lafayette City Courthouse at 105 East Convent Street, Lafayette, Louisiana and go to room 104. Court staff will assist you in obtaining proper notice for your new court date; and/or
• If you have moved from the address in our file, you must provide the new address in writing to the court by mail or in person at the courthouse. The court’s mailing address is Post Office Drawer 3344, Lafayette, Louisiana 70502-3344. You must include your full name as it appears on your old notice, your docket number and your new address including city, state, and zip code. You should also provide a contact number and email address.
SOME TRAFFIC AND CRIMINAL FINES CAN BE PAID ON THE COURT’S WEBSITE.
The judges remind people that most traffic tickets and some previously imposed criminal fines can be paid online by using the Court’s website, https://www.citycourtlafayettela.org/Home.aspx. A fee may apply to online payments. Traffic and criminal fines can also be paid by mail (do not send cash), payable to City Court of Lafayette and mailed to the court c/o Traffic Violations Bureau, Post Office Drawer 2086, Lafayette, Louisiana 70502. If your ticket is court mandatory, you will not be able to pay it online.
CONTACT INFORMATION
• If you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney;
• If you are represented by the Public Defenders’ Office, please contact the attorney assigned to your case;
• For civil and eviction matters, please call: (337) 291-8720, Option 3 or fax (337) 291-8771;
• For criminal/traffic/OWI matters, please call: (337) 291-8720, Option 2 or fax (337) 291-8774;
• For fine payment questions please call: (337) 291-8720, Option 1;
• For juvenile delinquent/traffic matters please call: (337) 291-8720, Option 4 or fax (337) 291-8181;
• For court service/probation/review hearing matters please call: (337) 291-8845 or fax (337) 291-8696; and
• For any matter not listed here, contact the Court Administrator at (337) 291-8720, Option 6.
Judges are prohibited to speak about cases to avoid possibility of conflict. Phone calls to Judges must come through Court Administration. Please call 337-291-8720 and select Option 6.
Lafayette, LA – (Jan. 25, 2026) – WM has suspended residential trash collection service due to winter weather conditions in the City of Broussard on Monday, January 26, 2026, and Tuesday, January 27, 2026. City of Broussard residential customers will be serviced on their next regularly scheduled collection day. We thank our valued customers for their patience and cooperation.
ST LANDRY PARISH
With extreme extended freezing temperatures expected to impact our area in the coming days, the City of Opelousas is urging residents to begin conserving water now in order to help prevent low pressure, frozen pipes, or a city-wide boil advisory. Extreme cold can cause pipes to burst and strain our water system—especially when overuse and dripping faucets are widespread. Let’s work together to protect our community's water supply.
Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz wishes to inform the public that the offices at the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Safety Complex will be closed on Monday, January 26. 2026. This will include the offices at the Civil Building as well. Dispatch, Corrections and Patrol Divisions will be fully staffed and on duty.
Please be advised that all offices located inside the St. Landry Parish Courthouse — including the 27th Judicial District Court — will be open on Monday, January 26.
The Registrar of Voters office, which is a state office, will remain closed.
ST. MARY PARISH
St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission #4 in Charenton is actively preparing for a hard freeze event with temperatures expected to be below freezing for several hours at a time. If we must shut off service due to breaks, we will make every attempt to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Please note that water main breaks will take precedence and there may be delays in responding to individual requests. Property owners are responsible for winterizing homes and businesses beyond the water meter including taking necessary precautions to prevent freezing and leakage. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED that customers allow their faucets to drip during freezing temperatures. We DO recommend that customers turn off their water supply and drain the pipes to prevent them from rupturing. If your pipes freeze, please give them enough time to thaw before opening your faucet. DO NOT use open flame or pour hot water to thaw frozen pipes. If you do have an after-hours emergency, please call 337-923-6986.
We appreciate your understanding during this extreme weather event.
VERMILION PARISH
Kaplan City Court will be closed on Monday, but re-open on Tuesday.
Here's the judge's order:
