Freezing temperatures expected to hit NELA
An arctic front will move into northeastern Louisiana Tuesday bringing freezing temperatures by the weekend.
Louisiana Delta Community College's dean of technology, math and science Don Wheeler said the cold front will be the first prolonged winter weather for northeastern Louisiana this season.
By Tuesday afternoon temperatures could drop from the mid-70s to the lower 40s, but the first freezing temperatures will arrive Friday and Saturday mornings. Temperatures are expected to range in the upper 20s, Wheeler said.
A slight chance of rain is expected during the weekend, but Wheeler doesn't anticipate icy conditions.
"There's no chance of frozen precipitation. It's just going to be really cold and more prolonged that our last cold front," Wheeler said.
The cold front is expected to remain in the region through early next week.
Atmos Energy urges customers to prepare for winter weather now to help conserve energy throughout the season.
The United States faced extreme temperatures and record-setting natural gas consumption during the 2013-2014 winter heating season, and according to industry leaders, the same may hold true this winter.
"The lessons learned from last year's polar vortex is that there is no such thing as too much preparation," said Tom Hawkins, Atmos Energy Louisiana Division.
The best way to lower energy bills is to use energy more wisely, Hawkins said. A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to keep their house cooler at night and when they are away, and will automatically warm the house to comfortable levels when home.
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Tips for calling for help
In order to prepare for winter today, Atmos Energy advises all customers review their natural gas accounts. If you are a new customer or your service is currently inactive, call 1-888-286-6700 today to avoid long wait times on the phone and possible days without heat or hot water.
The best time to call is weekday afternoons. Mornings are typically the busiest time at call centers.
Customers who call during a busy time can use the automated phone system to schedule a return call from an agent, rather than wait on hold.
Contact Atmos Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-286-6700; and for emergency calls 24/7 at 1-866-322-8667.