Lafayette was braced this morning for its coldest weather in almost two decades.

The last time Lafayette reached record low temperatures in the teens was in 1996, a representative with the National Weather Service said Monday. Predictions had called for the mercury to drop to 19 degrees overnight.

Donald Jones, a meteorologist with the NWS’ Lake Charles office, said the cold weather would be dry, as it is normally.

“Colder air can’t hold as much moisture as warmer weather,” Jones said.

The high Tuesday is expected to reach the 30s; the low is expected to fall to 22 degrees. A hard freeze warning is in effect until 10 a.m.

Jones said a hard freeze is what happens when a temperature of 27 degrees or less lasts for an hour or more.

The cold weather may provide both advantages and disadvantages to Acadiana, according to some Louisiana AgCenter experts.

In a news release, LSU AgCenter entomologist Michael Stout said the freezing temperatures could mean fewer insects in the spring. The downside is that both pest and beneficial insects are at risk, he said.

Most major crops will not be affected because it is not their growing season. For crops in the field, though, such as some sugarcane, there is some concern.

In a prepared statement, the AgCenter said cold weather can kill sugarcane causing lower sugar content, but most of this year’s crop has been harvested. The rest will be in by week’s end, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois said.

“The biggest impact there will be trying to process frozen cane,” he said. “You can't extract juice out of a stalk that's frozen.”

Gravois said this may be the second- or third-best crop on record. The planting season was delayed because of freezes last March. September and October were warm, allowing an extra two months of growth.

Stanley Dutile, agent with the AgCenter’s Lafayette office, urged people to dress in layers, wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat because of the cold. He also urged people to avoid overexertion because cold weather puts added strain on the body.

Dutile listed these tips for dealing with extreme cold:

• Observe heater safety: Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water; keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes; never leave children unattended near a space heater.

• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 derees.

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Dutile also suggested the following tips for handling your vehicle:

• Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.

• Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.

• Check brakes for wear and fluid levels.

• Check your exhaust system for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.

• Replace and keep water out of the fuel and air filter system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Ensure your heater and defroster work properly.

• Check lights and flashing hazard lighs for serviceability.

• Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.

• Ensure your thermostat works properly.

• Repair any windshield wiper problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

• Make sure you have good visibility, keeping your windshields clear.

• Take special precaution of bridges and ramps; they ice up quickly.

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