Snow day closes schools, bridges

• 2theadvocate.com, WBRZ and Advocate staff reports
• Published: Dec 11, 2008 - UPDATED: 2:25 p.m.

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This morning’s snow has prompted officials to close most schools in the area, as well as many bridges, including those across the Mississippi River.

State Trooper Russell Graham said the new Mississippi River bridge on Interstate 10 and the old bridge on U.S. 190 are closed. Also closed were the overpass on U.S. 61 at La. 964, according to a State Police news release.

The U.S. 190 bridge in Livingston, which was closed earlier today, is now open.

The Sunshine Bridge, which was closed earlier today, is now open.

State Police is stressing the importance of removing crashed vehicles from the roadways. If motorists are involved in crashes on the highways and their vehicles are not disabled, Louisiana law requires that they be moved out of travel lanes.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roadways if  possible.

Other snow related news:

• East Baton Rouge Parish has suspended garbage and Recycling services for today. The North Landfill has also been closed due to dangerous conditions on-site.  Garbage and Recycling will be made up on the next collection day.
• Mayor-President Melvin L. "Kip" Holden announced that all non-essential city-parish employees should not report to work today.
• Three flights were canceled and others were delayed this morning at Baton Rouge Metro Airport because of wet, cold weather in both the Capitol City and other areas of the country. The airfield is open and flights are coming and going, said Bill Profita, an airport spokesman. But there are delays, and people should call to check the status of their flights, he said. “We are hoping to get back to normal later today when things warm up,” he said.
•  Scattered power outages are being reported due to the icy conditions.
• The 19th Judicial District Court and the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court’s Office are closed for the day.
• The state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal is operating with a skeleton crew, and Baton Rouge City Court also is open.
• Signs taped to the doors of the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court’s Office read “Emergency Closure Due to Wintry Weather.’’
  The Clerk of Court Web site says today’s weather-related closure is a “legal holiday’’ pursuant to state law. The office is scheduled to reopen Friday, as is the 19th Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish.
• Burrell Carter, chief judge of the 1st Circuit,  said the appellate court is open today with those employees who can report to work. “All employees who cannot report to work will be on special leave; all employees at work will receive special leave hour for hour for the time worked,’’ the court’s Web site says.

Bridge/Road Closure Recap:
Bridges in the area

• I-10 Mississippi River Bridge (New Bridge)
• US 190 Mississippi River Bridge (Old Bridge)
• US 61 at LA 964 overpass
• US 190 Bridge in Livingston

EBR Parish Road Closures

• Tucker at Pride Port Hudson Road is Blocked.
• 2750 Greenwell  Springs Road a tree is Down
• Joor at Peairs, there is a Power Line Down
• 3700 Greenwell Springs Road a tree is Down

Below is a partial list of school closures, according to WBRZ:

• East Baton Rouge
• University Lab School
• St. Paul Adult Learning Center in Baton Rouge
• Tyees Children Villa in Baton Rouge
• Zachary Schools
• Harvest Christian Academy
• South Christian Academy in Denham Springs
• Centreville Academy in Woodville, Miss.
• Wilkinson County (Miss.) School District
• St. Helena Parish public schools
• Silliman Institute in Clinton
• West Feliciana Parish Public Schools
• WCCA in Woodville, Miss.
• Pointe Coupee Parish
• West Baton Rouge Parish, including Holy Family
• Baker Schools
• First Steps Christian Learning Center in St. Francisville
• Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge
• Bethany Christian School In Baker
• Livingston Parish Schools
• Galilee Baptist Academy
• Prescott Middle
• Glen Oaks Middle
• Pointe Coupee Central High School
• According to Entergy, about 100 in Livingston Parish and 1000 in Baton Rouge are without power, as of 6:40 a.m.

WBRZ's Dave Nussbaum says expected snowfall for East Baton Rouge Parish is 2-4 inches.