LA Baton Rouge Snow

Fairly heavy snow falls in an area that rarely sees even light snow.

Old Man Winter strolled into the Bayou State and left a blanket of snow in his
 wake.

A real taste of winter weather blew upon the Capital area Thursday morning. 
Snow accumulation was reported throughout the entire area.

The rare snowfall blanketed south Louisiana Wednesday morning, with 
accumulations of up to four inches in some areas. Forecasters say the mix of 
sleet and snow is expected to diminish later in the day as the weather system 
generating the white stuff moves east.

It wasn't just the youngsters of south Louisiana who got to enjoy playing in 
the snow. Adults also took advantage of the rare occurrence to let their 
inner-child come bursting out. An 83-year-old woman even called in and could 
stop giggling over the sight of snow in Baton Rouge. It was the first 
significant snowfall seen in the area since 1988.

However, their was a downside to the winter delight that many were 
experiencing. Power outages have been reported in many areas. Also, reports 
have come in that large branches are falling out of trees.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
 is urging people to take precaution as the state experiences snow and ice 
conditions. Freezing rain can cause road conditions to become slick and very 
dangerous causing accidents. Be aware of falling tree limbs weighed down by 
heavy ice. Those tree limbs can block roads and tear down power lines.

As with hurricane preparedness, GOHSEP urges Louisiana residents to have ample
 emergency supplies such as extra food and water, flashlights and batteries
and  a portable weather radio.  An emergency heating source is also advised in
the  event power goes out.