Everything You Need to Know About Shreveport’s Winter Storm Warning

UPDATE - 4:36 PM: As mentioned in the original post, this a very fluid weather situation in Shreveport, Louisiana that's constantly getting updated. Right now, the winter weather is expected to hit around noon on Thursday. Here's the latest from the National Weather Service.

Over the last week or so, the forecast of winter weather has changed drastically for Shreveport, Louisiana and the surrounding areas. At first, we expected to see a light dusting of snow. Then there was the strong possibility of ice and freezing rain. So, the predictions on what we will & won't see have been very fluid - they seem to change by the hour.

Here's the latest updates you need to know about the weather threats and how things are looking as we head into Thursday and Friday when we're supposed to see some extreme winter weather.

READ MORE: Will Winter Storm Warning Force Schools to Close?

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Shreveport

This is an important announcement and slightly different from what we were expecting. Originally, Shreveport was expected to be in the "Warning Area", meaning heavy snow and ice accumulation. While that currently isn't the case, that doesn't mean we're completely out of the woods. This status can change at any moment as more information comes in.

According to the National Weather Service Forecast, Shreveport could still see some snow and ice. However, there's a lot of "uncertainty" in those forecasts. Right now, we're projected to see 0-2 inches of snow and up to .25 inches of ice. But, that could change at any time.

Our friends to the north however are expected to get some heavy duty snow & ice including up to 6 inches of snow & a half inch of ice. There's a lot more confidence in that forecast than here in North Louisiana.

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Difference Between a Winter Weather Watch & Winter Weather Warning

For us that don't typically deal with winter weather, this can all be a bit confusing. Why is Texarkana under a Winter Weather Warning while Shreveport is only under a Winter Weather Watch? We're only 70 miles apart.

According to the National Weather Service, here's how it breaks down:

• "A Winter Storm Watch will be issued in advance of the storm (usually at least 24 hours). It indicates the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased (at least a 50% chance of it occurring), but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain." Basically, conditions are favorable for winter weather but there's no guarantee it's going to happen.
• "A Warning indicates that conditions pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible. An Advisory indicates conditions pose a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property." Basically, there's a greater than 80% chance that you're going to see extreme and possibly deadly weather.

So for us in Shreveport, there's a strong possibility we could see some snow and ice. For Texarkana, it's almost certain they're going to see some extreme winter weather.

Winter Survival Tips for Shreveport, Louisiana

We don't often get freezing temps or snow in Shreveport. So, when it happens, people freak out a bit. However, if you prepare a bit and stay calm, we can get through this with limited issue.

The big thing experts will tell you is to minimize travel and stay indoors. Not only does it reduce the risk of health concerns like hypothermia and frost bite, but extreme cold plays hell on vehicles. Those concerns could leave you stranded on the side of the highway or cause you to wreck.

Speaking of travel, if you have to go out, be sure to be prepared. Keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent the tank from freezing (yes, that's a thing that really happens) and be sure that your car has plenty of anti-freeze and that your tires are fully aired up. It is also a good idea to build yourself a winter survival kit. Some of the items that you should keep in your vehicle are blankets, a coat, gloves, water, food, those handwarmer things hunters use, jumper cables, boots and a shovel. The goal is to have stuff to keep you safe and warm in your car, but in case you have to mobilize in an emergency situation, you don't want to be walking the highway in flip-flops and a t-shirt when it is -5 out.

For more winter advice, you can check out this handy dandy survival guide from the Minnesota Government and National Weather Service.