Hard Freeze Expected Tonight Through Wednesday Morning
The City is monitoring and preparing for a potential minor winter weather event tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 12, into Wednesday morning.
A hard freeze warning is in effect for Alexandria and Central Louisiana from 8 p.m. tonight through 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 24 are expected. But an added wind advisory in effect from the north at 15-20 mph could create a wind chill as low as 13 degrees.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
“The City is prepared to respond if there is an interruption in services,” said Mayor Jeff Hall. “Though this is expected to be a short-lived event with clear skies, we encourage everyone to be cautious.”
In the event of an emergency, call 911. If you experience a power outage call 318-473-1301.
Residents should take the following precautions:
• Drivers take extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.
• Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors.
• Bring your pets inside.
• Secure outdoor objects.
• Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
• Follow instructions on space heaters:
o Do not plug into power strips.
o Do not leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms.
o Do not use space heaters with chewed or frayed cords.
o Do not use space heaters near curtains, bedding or other flammable materials.
• To avoid problems with pipes:
o To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.
o Those with in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
o Turn off automatic sprinkler and irrigation systems.
o If you must drip faucets during the night to prevent freezing a small, pencil lead size stream is enough. There is no need to drip faucets during daylight hours.
o Inspect normally unattended or unoccupied properties for leaks.
o Promptly shut off leaks caused by frozen or burst pipes. If you are unable to shut off the water, call the Water Department at (318) 473-1264.
“Everyone should also check their smoke detectors and the batteries,” Alexandria Fire Chief Larry King said. “If you don’t have smoke detectors, we have a program in place to install them for you.” For more information about the smoke detector program call (318) 441-6600.
City officials will continue to monitor the situation and additional updates will be released through the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Utility Systems social media pages and through traditional media as well as our website at www.cityofalexandriala.com.
Contact:
Cynthia D. Jardon
Communications
318.449.5025
318-290-1497
cynthia.jardon@cityofalex.com
