NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The northern Gulf Coast is bracing for a blast of arctic air and a powerful winter storm early next week, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, icy conditions, and snow. The cold air will begin arriving late Sunday, with overnight lows dipping into the low 20s in northern areas and the upper 20s to low 30s further south near the coastline. Wind chills will make it feel even colder, with temperatures in the teens across much of the region Monday morning. These frigid conditions will persist through midweek, with the coldest morning expected Tuesday night into Wednesday. Some inland locations could experience wind chills in the single digits, a rare occurrence for the area. In addition to the cold, a winter storm is forecast to bring snow and ice to much of the region Monday night through Tuesday. Areas along and north of the I-10/12 corridor could see snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches, while locations to the south are likely to receive 1 to 3 inches. There’s also a low chance of minor ice accumulation, particularly in areas closer to the Gulf Coast. With temperatures cold enough for snow and ice to stick immediately, roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will become slick and hazardous. Travel impacts are expected to begin early Tuesday and could last through Wednesday or even into Thursday in shaded areas where melting may be delayed. Officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary during this time. Now is the time to prepare your home and family for the extreme cold. Ensure your pets have adequate shelter, protect exposed pipes, and check on elderly neighbors or others who may need help. If you plan to use portable heaters, make sure they are in good condition and used safely. Although conditions are expected to improve slightly by Thursday, mornings will remain cold, with temperatures near freezing. Sunshine should return, helping snow and ice melt later in the week. Stay updated on the latest forecasts and be prepared for disruptions caused by this rare winter storm. The combination of frigid temperatures and winter precipitation makes this event potentially dangerous, so take precautions now to stay safe. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Jayden Daniels and the Commanders stun the top-seeded Lions 45-31 to reach NFC title game Jayden Daniels and the Commanders stun the top-seeded Lions 45-31 to reach NFC title game Mahomes and Kelce help Chiefs to a 23-14 win over Texans and another AFC title game trip Winter Storm Watch: Several inches of snow expected across Gulf Coast on Tuesday Mahomes and Kelce help Chiefs to a 23-14 win over Texans and another AFC title game trip