The Arctic air stormed across the country, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, leaving dangerous conditions across Southeast Louisiana.
"Take extreme caution when traveling and if travel is not necessary, just stay home," the National Weather Service off ice for New Orleans urged in an advisory.
NWS
Ice and crashes closed roads, bridges and overpasses before sunrise.
Traffic was blocked on I-55 between the Northshore and Southshore in both directions, the Causeway was icy and closed, crashed cars blocked the I-10 Twin Spans between Slidell and New Orleans in both directions. There were crashes on the I-10 High Rise over the Industrial Canal in New Orleans. Ice and crashes had the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge shut down on I-10 between Kenner and LaPlace. The I-310 was closed both ways over the Mississippi River. Other roads, bridges and overpasses were also iced over.
NWS
WWL TV Meteorologist Payton Malone says things won't thaw out until around noon today. That will allow the ice to melt and moisture to evaporate before a hard freeze tonight.
The Weather Service warns that actual temps will dip into the teens and 20s across the region, and it will feel even colder.
"The coldest morning will be Wednesday morning with lows reaching the lower teens to 20's and below freezing temperatures all the way to the coast," forecasters warn. " 'Feel like' temperatures will easily drop to 10 degrees or less tonight through Wednesday morning."
NWS
