Caddo Parish warns of possible ice event; officials urge residents to sign up for CaddoReady and note shelter options

Caddo Parish officials warned commissioners Tuesday of a high‑confidence winter weather event expected to begin Friday night and continue into the weekend, possibly producing more than a half inch of ice.

Administrator Walker said the timing is the primary uncertainty but that the parish is preparing standard measures including brine, salt and sand for roads. He said departments are coordinating and that communications teams will push updates through social media, local news and the Caddo Ready alert system (caddoready.org).

Commissioner John Paul Young identified two emergency community "lighthouses" where residents could go for electricity, food and shelter if needed: Morning Star Baptist Church (5340 Juela) and the Highland Center (540 Olive Street). Officials warned that power outages are likely if ice accumulates and advised residents to take basic preparations such as filling a bathtub for water if pipes freeze.

Animal-shelter staff said they have an overflow of blankets and are arranging foster care where animals can be vaccinated and microchipped before placement. Administration advised the commission there is a multiyear cooperation plan with Bossier and state DOTD to keep I‑220 open, and that a DOTD/public-works meeting is scheduled Thursday for detailed operational planning.

Commissioners encouraged residents to sign up for Caddo Ready alerts for the latest information and to monitor parish communications for shelter openings and safety advice.