The Ark-La-Tex Gazette

By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff 

February 11, 2026  | SHREVEPORT, LA 

Louisiana’s entire congressional delegation is standing behind Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a federal Major Disaster declaration following the devastating effects of Winter Storm Fern.

In a unified letter sent to President Donald Trump this week, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, along with all six of the state’s U.S. Representatives, urged the administration to expedite federal aid for recovery efforts across the state’s northern parishes.

Impact of Winter Storm Fern

The storm, which swept through Louisiana from January 23–27, 2026, brought a lethal combination of ice and extreme cold. At its peak, the weather event caused:

• Widespread Utility Failures: Over 175,000 residents lost power, and several municipalities, including the city of Monroe, suffered complete water system disruptions.
• Fatalities: At least nine deaths have been attributed to the storm.
• Significant Costs: State officials report that Louisiana has already incurred over $11.3 million in storm-related expenses, surpassing the federal threshold required for a disaster declaration.
  

What Lawmakers are Requesting

While President Trump issued an initial emergency declaration on January 24 to assist with immediate life-safety measures, the delegation is now pushing for a more comprehensive "Major Disaster" status. Specifically, they are asking for:

• Public Assistance: Funding for debris removal and "snow assistance" for hard-hit parishes including Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll.
• Cost-Share Adjustment: A request for the federal government to cover 100% of the costs for the first 30 days of recovery.
• Individual Assistance: Lawmakers are also advocating for direct aid to residents, which would provide funding for temporary housing and crisis counseling for those whose homes were damaged.