Southwest Louisiana spent Tuesday morning experiencing — likely for the first time ever — blizzard-like conditions with 35 mph wind gusts, a limited quarter-mile of visibility and up to 6 inches of snowfall recorded.

National Weather Service Lake Charles Storm Warning Coordinator Doug Cramer said the blizzard warning was in effect until about noon. A winter storm warning continued into late afternoon.

“I believe this is the first time we have ever issued a blizzard warning throughout our history,” Cramer said.

He said temperatures will struggle to get above freezing Wednesday so snow and ice that accumulated Tuesday will not melt until Thursday afternoon. Single-digits were predicted overnight Tuesday.

“Tuesday night into Wednesday morning will be our coldest period throughout this entire event,” Cramer said.

Roads — especially bridges and overpasses — are expected to be slick and hazardous the next few days. Drivers are advised to delay travel if possible and should use extreme caution if travel becomes necessary.

Acadian Ambulance said it was closely monitoring weather conditions and will continue to provide emergency response until road conditions are deemed unsafe for medics and patients.  “As evening approaches and visibility worsens, we will work with local law enforcement and fire agencies to provide escorts for our ambulances so that emergency response can continue.”

Katie Harrington, spokesperson for the city of Lake Charles, said the Enterprise Boulevard Overpass — between Fournet Street and the Interstate 10 Service Road — as well as the Shattuck Street Overpass— between Opelousas Street and the I-10 Service Road — were closed Tuesday afternoon due to hazardous road conditions.

She said the window of time for public transportation to an emergency warming station at the MLK Community Center at 2009 N. Simmons St. has closed; however, the center remains open 24 hours a day. Residents in need of emergency assistance are advised to call 911.