UPDATE: East Texans prepare for ice storms, extreme cold watch this weekend

CLARIFICATION:
An Ice Storm or Winter Storm Warning will go in effect for the entire Four State region as early as 6 PM this evening, with locations along and south of the US Highway 84 corridor starting at 6 AM Saturday, as a significant winter storm is poised to impact the entire region this weekend.
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National Weather Service officials in Shreveport are discouraging travel between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Monday (Jan 23-26), advising East Texas residents to just stay home and stay safe.
In an 11:49 a.m. weather advisory for an ice storm warning issued Friday in Northeast Texas, along with portions of south central/southwest Arkansas and north central/northwest Louisiana, officials said to “expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice,” rendering “treacherous” travel conditions.
“Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an
extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages,” officials advised. “Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”
Those traveling can check for the latest road conditions by calling 5-1-1.
Meanwhile, an extreme cold watch piggybacks the ice storm warning, as officials describe “dangerously cold temps” dropping to single digits Monday night, with a gradual rise in temperatures through noon Tuesday, Jan. 27 in East and Northeast Texas, as well as parts of Louisiana and Arkansas.
Impacts include frostbite and hypothermia if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures; additionally, an extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
NWS officials ask residents to take the following precautions:
• Dress in layers – wear a hat, face mask and gloves if you must go outside.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
• Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.
• Make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors.
• Ensure portable heaters are used correctly.
• Do not use generators or grills inside.
Cherokee County residents or those traveling through the area can find shelter at Highway 69 Mission, which has set up a warming station at its 203 N. Jackson St. facility in Jacksonville.
“Thank you, Lord, for all that have supported the Mission, getting ready for this cold spell,” director Billy Bateman shared in a Facebook post. “Jacksonville and others have come out swinging, lots ‘n lots of support.”
The mission opened 3 p.m. Friday, offering food and shelter through Tuesday of next week, Bateman said.
Those wishing to support this ministry can donate food, beverages, blankets, batteries/flashlights, handwarmers, clothing or funds at Highway 69 Mission or Pop’s Country Store and Grill, located at 10940 FM 347 N in Jacksonville.
Contact Bateman at highway69mission@gmail.com or call 903-284-1710, or send electronic funds via Paypal to "Highway 69 Mission."