UHN Offices Closed on Monday, Jan. 26; Emergency Management Updates

The United Houma Nation’s (UHN) Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the upcoming wintry weather event forecasted for this week and early next week. We ask our tribal citizens across Louisiana to monitor all local weather news alerts issued by their parish’s Emergency Management Office, as well as the National Weather Service and local media outlets and the UHN’s social media pages.

Currently, the UHN plans to be open during normal business hours during the week of January 26-31, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. We will announce any changes to this schedule in advance of the impending storm. Questions related to the UHN’s Emergency Preparedness plans should be directed to Mike Solet, UHN Emergency Management Director, who can be reached at (985) 223-3093.

STAY PREPARED, STAY ALERT AND STAY SAFE.

Here is an update concerning the winter and severe weather threat Saturday and Sunday.

• We’re continuing to trend warmer with best chance of freezing rain in our far NW areas
• A Marginal Risk of severe weather has been introduced for Sunday afternoon and evening for isolated strong to severe storms along and ahead of the cold front

Overview:

WHAT: Extreme Cold with wind chills in the single digits and low teens along with a chance of freezing rain

WHEN:  Early Sunday morning for freezing rain and Monday & Tuesday morning for Extreme Cold

WHERE:  Along a line from Baton Rouge to Bogalusa for freezing rain and all of SE LA and S MS for Extreme cold

Confidence:

• There is still uncertainty regarding how far south freezing temperatures get Sunday morning to produce freezing rain
• There is high confidence in wind chills in the teens and upper single digits Monday and Tuesday morning

Impacts:

Freeze

• Temperatures will fall into the upper teens and low 20s and will be below freezing for 10-20 hours for both Monday and Tuesday.
• These conditions could result in significant damage to unprotected pipes as well as citrus and other sensitive agricultural crops.

Wind Chill:

• Wind chills of 5 to 10 degrees are forecast for Monday morning and 10 to 20 degrees on Tuesday morning. These wind chills can lead to hypothermia for those without warm shelter.

 Wintry Precip:

• Ice accumulation of < 0.1 inch is forecast in SW MS and Florida Parishes.
• Ice accumulation will be most likely on bridges and elevated surfaces, but even some surface roads could be affected, resulting in treacherous travel conditions.

Severe Weather:

• A MARGINAL RISK of severe weather has been introduced for areas east of I-55, mainly for Sunday afternoon and evening ahead of the cold front
• Damaging wind and tornadoes are the primary threat at this time

The attached briefing below highlights both the Winter Weather and Severe Weather for this system.

Additional Information and Resources:

NWS New Orleans Website: www.weather.gov/neworleans

NWS New Orleans DSS Website: http://www.weather.gov/lix/embrief

NWS New Orleans Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSNewOrleans

NWS New Orleans Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWSNewOrleans

Online Weather Reporting: https://www.weather.gov/lix/submit_storm_report

Louisiana Office of Homeland Security recommends that residents prepare for hazardous travel, possible power outages, and cold conditions even if measurable ice accumulations vary across the state.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Before the Storm

✔ Monitor Alerts
Stay tuned to the National Weather Service and your parish emergency management office for the latest warnings and watches. Sign up for local weather alerts on NOAA Weather Radio or parish alert systems.

✔ Prepare Your Home

• Wrap and insulate pipes, especially those outside or in unheated spaces.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain irrigation systems.
• Ensure heating systems, fireplaces, and chimneys are working safely.

Vehicle Readiness

• Check tire pressure and antifreeze levels.
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
• Prepare a roadside emergency kit with blankets, food, water, & a phone charger.

 During Hazardous Conditions

❄️ Travel Safety

• Avoid non-essential travel if freezing rain, sleet, or ice forms on roads.
• If you must drive, reduce speed, and allow extra stopping distance.
• Treat bridges and overpasses as more likely to freeze first.

🔥 Heating & Power Safety

• Use space heaters safely—place on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep clear of obstructions.
• If using a portable generator, operate it outside and at least 20 feet from any structure, away from windows and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.

💡 If Power is Lost

• Stay inside and dress in layers.
• Conserve heat by closing off unused rooms.
• Only use alternative heat sources (fireplaces, wood stoves) if properly installed and ventilated.

👶 Look After Others

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors—especially elderly or medically vulnerable individuals.
• Ensure pets are safe and dry indoors.

🔁 Stay Informed

Keep checking official updates throughout the weekend:

• National Weather Service forecasts and hazard messages
• Parish Emergency Management Office advisories
• Louisiana Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness guidance