An unprecedented winter storm is due to impact Louisiana tomorrow, prompting the National Weather Service to declare a winter storm warning for all of South Louisiana and Gov. Jeff Landry to declare a state of emergency.

The storm is anticipated to bring freezing temperatures and snowfall for the first time since 2018 in the Baton Rouge area, which has already resulted in the closure of LSU’s campus Tuesday.

Here’s what exactly the LSU community can expect from the coming winter storm.

How cold will it be?

According to the NWS, beginning early Tuesday morning temperatures are expected to drop to about 27 degrees Fahrenheit before rising only to a high of 32 degrees during the day. Then, temperatures fall precipitously to a week-low of 15 degrees Tuesday night as the storm passes and temperatures begin to gradually recover throughout the rest of the week.

Any temperature 32 degrees or below is freezing, presenting the risk of hypothermia or frostbite in exposed individuals and property damage such as frozen pipes.

How much will it snow?

A rarity in South Louisiana, the NWS has predicted a 90% chance of precipitation possibly resulting in about 3 to 7 inches of snowfall in Baton Rouge.

The snow is expected to begin Tuesday morning and continue most of the day before gradually clearing that night.

Will LSU close school?

LSU as of Monday morning has closed campus and moved classes online for Tuesday, expecting to resume normal operations Wednesday.

However, the university in recent years has usually waited a little longer when making its cancellations, so the LSU community should closely monitor their emails, the LSU website and any LSU social media channels for updates.

The Reveille has learned that all state offices will remain closed Wednesday, a fact that could indicate more closures to come.

It will likely not snow on Wednesday, so any closure decisions would likely come down to if road conditions are safe enough for students to drive.