Current forecasts are modeling a hard freeze for early next week with long periods of sub-freezing temperatures both Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22. 

During freezing conditions, residents are reminded to bring their pets inside, protect their pipes and plants, and check on elderly family members or neighbors.

Water/Wastewater Utilities

Regarding pipes, the City of Lake Charles Utilities Division advises residents that if their home is not on a slab and/or they have exposed or uninsulated pipes, they should take the necessary steps to protect them.

Transit Services

The City of Lake Charles Transit Division will be offering transportation to the warming station set to open at Water’s Edge on Sunday, January 19.

This service will be offered from 1 – 5 pm on Sunday and again from 9 am – 5 pm on Monday, January 20. Those in need of this service should proceed to the bus stop located at one of the following locations. Please note, once the bus is boarded, the only drop off point will be Water’s Edge. This service will be operational during the stated times provided roadway conditions remain safe for travel. 

·         McDonalds on Ryan Street, across from McNeese State University

·         Wal-Mart on Ryan St

·         5th Ave and Emerald Point

·         SWLA Center for Health Services on Opelousas Street

·         Martin Luther King Jr. Center located at North Simmons Street/Fiztenreiter Road

·         Prater/Harless Streets

·         Chateau du Lac located at Ryan/Mill Streets

·         Mill and Goos Streets

·         Abrahams Tent on Fruge Street

·         McDonalds on Broad Street

·         Salvation Army on Legion Street

·         Second Avenue at Golden Arms Apartments

·         Wal-Mart on Hwy 14

·         5th Avenue and College Street

·         Wal-Mart on Nelson Road

·         18th Street near Dollar Tree

·         Wal-Mart on Ryan Street

Residents unable to reach one of these locations, but in need of transportation to the warming center should dial 211.  

Lake Charles Police Department 

The Lake Charles Police Department encourages residents to exercise extreme caution when traveling the roadways as some overpasses and bridges may freeze overnight. Please avoid any unnecessary travel during this time. 

Public Works Streets Division 

Should rainy weather happen, ice forming on roadways and local bridges could occur. As a result, City of Lake Charles Public Works Streets Division crews are making preparations to close the overpasses at Shattuck Street and Enterprise Boulevard should conditions become unsafe for travel.

Local public safety agencies would like to remind residents that should these closures become necessary, emergency services will not be affected.

Lake Charles Fire Department

The Lake Charles Fire Department reminds residents to take precautions if using portable space heaters. Be sure there are no blankets, bedding or other flammable materials within a three-foot radius of the heater. Space heaters should also be kept away from children and pets. These units should have an automatic shut-off and should always be plugged directly into the outlet. Heaters should not be left unattended when on.

Should power be lost and residents need to use portable generators, it is important to remember to place these generators outside, away from the home and in a well-ventilated area. 

For more information on City of Lake Charles services, call (337) 491-1346, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com and follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana. To connect with community resources, dial 211. As always, in the event of an emergency, dial 911.