Snowfall totals across the southern half of the state continued to increase in Monday forecasts to what could be record-breaking levels. Here's what to know for the New Orleans metro, the northshore,

Sub-freezing temperatures and a high chance of snow have officials in Louisiana treating the approaching winter weather as an emergency, one in which they anticipate road closures and other impacts from the frigid conditions.

The South endures more wildfires per year than any other region, and Louisiana is not exempt from this trend. In 2023, Louisiana saw more than 1300 wildfires and an extreme period of summer drought.

State Climatologist Jay Grymes said there could be lows of 20 degrees across the state between Monday and Wednesday and the National Weather Service (NWS) has said Baton Rouge could see its first snowfall in seven years. Newsweek has contacted the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for comment.

The National Weather Service has laid out six basic steps to measure the snow properly. Locate a surface that is solid, level, and open. Avoid measuring snow and sleet depth under trees or directly next to buildings. Slide the ruler directly downward into the sleet until it reaches the ground.

Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency Saturday in preparation for the winter weather expected to hit Louisiana early next week, when snow is expected to accumulate in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings for the state in effect from Monday through Thursday.

A Black man died after a beating by the police in 2019. The assault “demonstrated serious failures,” the Justice Department said, including improper supervision.

The Louisiana Marathon is in its 14th year. The event includes several races and ends Sunday with a full and half marathon.

Cold, arctic air is dropping into Southeast Louisiana right now and that will interact with a developing low in the Gulf of Mexico that will bring snow to New Orleans. A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for everyone shown here.

JOINING US FOR THE WDSU NEWS HOT SEAT TONIGHT. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP. THAT HAPPENS TOMORROW. ON MONDAY, WE’RE JOINED NOW BY TWO FAMILIAR FACES THAT YOU SEE ON ELECTION NIGHT.

A new Louisiana barbecue restaurant opened in Walnut Creek on Sunday. Dad’s BBQ Next Generation began serving ribs, tri-tips, links, rib tips and chicken on Tice Valley Boulevard.

As Southwest Louisiana prepares for a winter storm, memories are resurfacing of snow events from years past. COLD WEATHER RESOURCES: The storm may bring snowfall rivaling the highest we’ve seen in the modern record,