Winn Parish braced for a predicted winter storm this week but while the below-freezing temperatures did arrive, the snow and freezing rains, with the downed limbs and power lines that these storms often bring, did not happen.

Last week, daily low temperatures were around the freezing mark but warmed as the days wore on.  Once the thermometer dropped below 32 degrees Sunday night, it did not rise above freezing either Monday or Tuesday.  Early morning temperatures today were down in the mid-teens but expected to rise to the mid-40s.

The good news was that despite the severe cold, significant precipitation on Monday didn’t arrive as forecast. There was some misty snow and light sleet, creating icy road conditions especially on bridges.

As a safety precaution, parish schools, already closed Monday for the four-day schedule, remained closed Tuesday and today.  Supt. Alfred Simmons had announced at the school board’s January meeting that cold alone would not have been enough to close schools but said safety factors would be monitored.  On Sunday, the board issued the following:

“Due to the forecast of dangerously cold temperatures over the next several days and the threat of winter precipitation, all Winn Parish schools will be closed and all school activities and athletic events cancelled on Tuesday, 1/16/24, and Wednesday, 1/17/24.  If it becomes necessary to make additional cancellations or closures, further announcements will be made.  Otherwise, school and activities will resume on Thursday, 1/18/24.”

Many churches and organizations around the community also cancelled services and activities as a safety caution due to the weather.