Headlines:Cold Weather Closures, Shelters
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Anticipated below freezing temperatures expected to blanket St. Landry Parish beginning late Monday, have caused closures for schools and public buildings and the reopening of a warming parish-government-operated shelter in Opelousas, according to multiple press releases.
The National Weather Service, as well as national forecasts, are predicting a drastic dip in temperatures into the low 20’s beginning Monday, with perhaps ice or several inches of parishwide snow falling late Tuesday night and into early Wednesday.
School Closures
Parish public school officials announced on Friday that campuses and offices will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday due to weather conditions. All school-associated activities are being canceled, school officials have said.
At this point parish public schools are expected to reopen on Thursday, school officials indicated in a press release.
Also on Friday the parish government announced the closing of the Courthouse office on Tuesday.
Shelter Information
Parish president Jessie Bellard said on Wednesday night that a warming shelter at the Indian Hills Country Club will be open for several days next week, beginning on Sunday afternoon.
The shelter was opened two weeks ago when cold weather enveloped St. Landry for several days.
Bellard said the shelter does not intend to cook meals for those who visit there.
Instead Bellard added the parish will provide snacks, beds, toilet articles and shower facilities.
Sand and other materials usually spread on roads to prevent adverse conditions are ready to be used by parish road crews, Bellard said during a regular Parish Council meeting.
