City Activates Freeze Plan

In anticipation of cold weather, the City of New Orleans will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan overnight Sunday, January 2, 2022 and Monday, January 3, 2022.

A cold front moved into the New Orleans region this morning, bringing cooler air. Temperatures will drop overnight and, factoring in wind chill, will remain below the threshold of 35 degrees Fahrenheit long enough to trigger the activation of the freeze plan.

Current NWS forecasts for New Orleans call for overnight lows in the mid to lower 30s, with wind chills dipping into the high 20s. The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for parts of southeast Louisiana, including the New Orleans area, from 10 PM tonight until 10 AM tomorrow. A Hard Freeze is not expected for the south shore, but residents should be prepared to protect people, pets, and plants from the cold.

Northwest to northerly winds of 15 to 25 mph will likely persist through the night as well, contributing to wind chill effects. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 PM.

Low temperatures into the 30s are also expected overnight Monday night.

Cold Weather Preparedness

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during cold weather, using these tips:  

STAY WARM

• Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.

• If you are homeless, seek shelter. During extreme cold, the citywide freeze plan will offer free shelter for homeless residents.  

• If you have to go outside, wear layers, a hat & gloves and carry a cell phone.

• Check on neighbors, children, the elderly & chronically ill to make sure they are okay.

• Bring pets inside.

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY & PREPARE YOUR HOME

• Never leave space heaters unattended.

• Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home.

• Check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working.

• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.

Shelter for the Homeless

The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless residents. The public is asked to call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number, 504-821-2222, to report someone in need of shelter.