Lake Charles, LA — January 30, 2026 — Local News Update
Lake Charles, LA — January 30, 2026 — Southwest Louisiana braces for another cold front bringing freezing temperatures and potential power outages this weekend.
Upcoming Cold Front and Power Outages
Lake Charles residents are preparing for a significant drop in temperatures as a cold front approaches this weekend. Forecasts predict lows near freezing along the I-10 corridor, with upper 20s expected in surrounding parishes. Southerly winds will gust between 10 and 20 mph, warming the region into the low 60s on Thursday, but this mild stretch is short-lived. A cold front arriving Friday morning will bring a big cool down, with Saturday’s highs only reaching the upper 30s to 40 degrees. Wind gusts may exceed 30 mph, and rain chances remain very limited. Residents are advised to protect plants and prepare for the cold snap. Source
Winter Weather Update
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a winter weather update, noting that while freezing fog is possible, dense fog is not expected. However, freezing fog can deposit a thin layer of black ice on surfaces, posing hazards. The cold front is expected to pass through Friday morning, leading to temperatures well below freezing through the weekend. Source
Local Events This Weekend
Despite the cold, several events are scheduled in the Lake Charles area this weekend. The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo is taking place at the Burton Complex from Thursday, January 29, through Saturday, January 31, featuring a parade and various rodeo events. Additionally, country music artist Sammy Kershaw will perform at the Golden Nugget on Friday, January 30, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the Golden Nugget box office. Source
Recent Arrests
The Calcasieu Correctional Center booking report for January 28, 2026, includes several arrests: Lalonnie Keyonce Porter, 24, of Lake Charles, was arrested for first or second offense DWI, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation, child improperly restrained in vehicle, and possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. Kenneth Wayne Chaisson III, 28, of Sulphur, was arrested for domestic abuse. James Kenneth Burchett, 61, of DeQuincy, was arrested for fourth offense DWI. Source
Power Restoration Updates
Entergy has provided updated restoration times for areas affected by recent power outages. As of January 28, crews have identified damage including approximately 700 utility poles, 2,300 spans of wire, and 170 transformers. Restoration times vary by parish, with some areas expected to have power restored by January 30. Residents are advised to check Entergy’s website for the latest updates. Source
Anniversary of Historic Snowfall
On January 21, 2025, Southwest Louisiana experienced a historic snowfall, with Lake Charles recording 5.5 inches—the largest single-day snowfall in the city’s history. The event brought the community together, with residents enjoying sledding and building snowmen. Source
Sources
- First Alert Forecast: Warmer for a day, then back to frigid temps this weekend
- Winter Weather Update from US NWS Lake Charles Slack Channel 1.28.26
- SWLA Events: Rodeos and Live Music This Weekend
- SWLA Arrest Report – Jan. 28, 2026
- Entergy shares time estimate for power to be restored in areas
- 1 year ago, snow blanketed SWLA after a historic winter storm
