NOPD warns of possible road closures ahead of freeze

NEW ORLEANS — With a freeze coming to Southeast Louisiana early next week, and the chance of ice and snow along with it, the NOPD said it is planning to close roads early. The exact timing will depend on how quickly the frigid air moves into the area. 

“I don’t want people already out there and then we close streets,” said Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick at a press conference Friday, “so I’m going to try to get ahead of it.”

She said elevated roadways, bridges, and ramps would be the first to be shut down, as they are the first to freeze in cold weather. The NOPD leaders gathered Friday referenced the winter storm of January 28, 2014 multiple times. 

“We responded to numerous accidents, which in turn also caused police to be in harm’s way,” said Lt. Anthony Micheu. 

That included the elevated portion of Highway 90, where many cars got stranded for days. Lt. Micheu said the same could happen again if more ice were to form on the roads.

“At certain points we will not be able to get the police onto these elevated portions because the vehicles will not make it up the bridge,” he said.

With that, the NOPD’s message to the public is simple– stay home if you are able. “This is the day for you to talk with your employers about whether or not your employer will allow you to stay home,” said Supt. Kirkpatrick. 

WWL Louisiana also reached out to Louisiana State Police about the possibility of an interstate closure. 

A spokesperson said “LSP will collaborate with DOTD to monitor the condition of the roadways and evaluate the need for any closures.” She added that “during the weather event, we will use our social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram) to disseminate the most up-to-date information.”

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