News & Announcements

January 29, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

THE CITY  OF NEW ORLEANS ACTIVATES  FREEZE PLAN AND EXPANDS SHELTER ACCESS

NEW ORLEANS — Today, the City of New Orleans announced that it will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan from Friday, Jan. 30, through overnight Sunday, Feb. 1, in anticipation of sustained cold weather conditions.      

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts "feels like" temperatures at or below freezing during overnight hours. These conditions meet the Citywide Freeze Plan activation threshold of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit (inclusive of wind chill) for more than four hours.    

Temperatures are expected to drop to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit overnight Friday, with “feels like” temperatures in the teens early Saturday morning. Similar conditions are forecast overnight Saturday into early Sunday. Overnight lows in the mid-30s are expected Sunday, with temperatures warming on Monday.  

Wind is expected on Saturday, with gusts reaching over 30 miles per hour (mph). Paradegoers should be mindful of windy conditions, secure loose items and remain aware of their surroundings along the route. No parade delays or cancellations are anticipated at this time. Should conditions change, updates will be shared through the City of New Orleans and NOLA Ready communication channels.  

For Mardi Gras-specific updates, residents and visitors can subscribe to NOLA Ready Mardi Gras alerts by texting MARDIGRAS to 77295.  

An extreme cold warning is in effect from midnight Friday through 10 a.m. on Sunday, and additional watches or warnings may be issued closer to the weather event. A wind advisory may be issued for Saturday.  

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is coordinating closely with the NWS and has been upgraded to a Level 3 activation.  

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through NOLA Ready and take steps to protect the 4 P’s: people, pets, plants, and pipes during cold weather.   

Utility Readiness  

Entergy has taken a series of proactive pre-winter actions to prepare to serve our customers during extreme temperatures, including:  

  • Inspecting and maintaining substations and transmission lines that are critical to Bulk Electric System reliability.  

  • Inspecting and testing equipment that can be impacted by extreme cold, such as gas-filled circuit breakers.  

Residents are encouraged to prepare as well. Storm safety, preparation, and restoration updates are available through Entergy’s Storm Center.  

Transportation  

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) reminds riders that transit service may experience delays during severe weather as operators prioritize safety. Riders should plan for extra travel time and check the LePass  app for updates before heading out.  

Shelter Access and Outreach  

The Office of Homeless Services and Strategy (OHSS) is conducting outreach to unhoused residents to ensure they are aware of available overnight shelter resources.    

Shelter for Unhoused Individuals     

The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for unhoused residents. If someone is in need of shelter starting overnight Friday, Jan. 30, through overnight Sunday, Feb. 1, please call the city’s non-emergency line at 3-1-1.      

Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations until full:    

  • Rosenwald Recreation Center, 1120 S Broad Ave., starting at 2:00 p.m. Pets are allowed. 

  • Ozanam Inn, 2239 Poydras St., starting at 4:30 p.m. 

  • New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., starting at 4:30 p.m.  

  • The Salvation Army, 4526 S. Claiborne Ave., starting at 4:30 p.m. 

  • Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St., starting at 4:30 p.m.   

   

Cold Weather Preparedness     

Exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia, especially for those without warm shelter or proper clothing. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect the 4 P’s: people, pets, plants, and pipes during cold weather, using these tips:     

STAY WARM AND PROTECT THE 4 P’s   

  • Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.    

  • If you go outside, wear layers, a hat, and gloves, and carry a cell phone.    

  • Check on neighbors, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill to make sure they are okay.     

  • Bring pets inside. If you are unable to bring outdoor pets inside, provide shelter along with access to clean, unfrozen water.  

  • Cats left outdoors often crawl into a car engine to get warm. Always honk your horn or tap your hood before starting your vehicle.  

  • If there is a freeze warning, pets left outdoors should be reported by calling 9-1-1 so a New Orleans Humane Law & Rescue Officer can be dispatched.  

  • Bring non-cold-hardy potted plants indoors. Cover outdoor plants in the afternoon before cold weather is expected.  

  • Insulate your exposed pipes.  

  • To help prevent frozen pipes, run a spaghetti-thin trickle of water from the one faucet farthest away from your water meter when temperatures approach 32 degrees F.  

  • Open the doors to cabinets where your pipes are located to allow heat to pass from room to room.  

  • Locate andidentify your shutoff valve.  

  • If you see a water leak, please call the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) emergency hotline at 504-52-WATER.  

  

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY & PREPARE YOUR HOME     

  • Never leave space heaters unattended.  

  • Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home.  

  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working.  

  • Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.  

   

Residents are encouraged to sign up for NOLA Ready emergency text alerts by texting “NOLAREADY” to 77295. More information about winter weather is available at https://ready.nola.gov/winter.      

  

# # #