The Lafayette Consolidated Government announced on Monday evening that it had extended its curfew until Tuesday morning.
LCG released the following statement:
“Due to the threat of record-breaking low temperatures overnight tonight and icy conditions continuing, Lafayette Parish will remain under a curfew until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Only essential personnel will be allowed to be out while the curfew is in effect. Once the curfew expires all residents are still urged to avoid getting out on the roadways until freezing conditions are over.
Lafayette Police and Public Works employees are working to barricade streets that are impassible because of ice and could pose extreme danger to motorists. Even if there are no barricades, roadways may still have patches of ice that can be very dangerous. Drivers should avoid going around or removing barricades.
To report ice on the roadways or downed tree limbs residents are urged to call (337) 291-8517.”
Louisiana State Police, who reported that they had responded to more than 150 vehicle crashes on Monday due to the storm, reminded residents on Monday that to obey all roadway signs, and that it is illegal and potentially dangerous to drive around “road closed” barricades at any time for any reason.
Gov. John Bel Edwards meanwhile held a brief press conference on Monday. Edwards urged Louisiana residents to remain at home unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Individuals should be careful because if they go out and get in an accident, it’s not guaranteed that you’re going to have a first responder show up in a timely fashion, because it takes awhile to maneuver through the ice,” Edwards stated.
Edwards also recommended residents to check 5111a.org for the latest updates on travel conditions throughout the state.
State offices, schools and local government offices were already going to be closed Tuesday due to the Mardi Gras holiday. Gov. Edwards did state Monday that he and his office will be making an announcement on Tuesday afternoon concerning if any of those closures will be extended.
“This remains a very serious situation, and we’re asking people to be patient,” Edwards said. “We’re asking people to stay home, don’t go on the road.”
I-10 CLOSURES
DOTD reported on Monday evening that Interstate 10 remains closed in both directions from I-49 (Lafayette) to LA 415 (Lobdell) due to winter weather conditions. Motorists on I-10 West are being diverted at LA 415 North to US 190 West. Motorists on I-10 East are being diverted to I-49 North to US 190 East.
DOTD reported on Monday evening that I-10 in both directions from LA 347 (Henderson) to LA 3000 (Ramah) due to the winter weather conditions until further notice. Motorists on I-10 West are being diverted at LA 415 North to US 190 West. Motorists on I-10 East are being diverted at I-49 North to US 190 East.
DOTD reported that I-10 is closed in both directions on the Mississippi River Bridge due to the winter storm. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.