Erin Davis/Axios Visuals New Orleans is going to be frigid next week and the National Weather Service is even talking about the stuff of myths — snow in south Louisiana. Why it matters: There's hope,

The NWS forecasts clear skies and calm winds for New Orleans, with a weekend high of 54°F and a chance of showers by Sunday night.

Ahead of what would typically be a normal morning commute, the National Weather Service in New Orleans warned that travel was perilous as ice and snow still blanketed the area. Many roads and bridges remain closed.

The Gulf Coast city that rarely sees snowflakes has received more than double the snowfall that Anchorage has since Dec. 1, the start of the meteorological winter.

ATLANTA — A rare winter storm charging through Texas and the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday has closed highways and airports and prompted the first blizzard warning for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.

The potential for snowfall on the Crescent City and the Red Stick next week is "looking increasingly possible," the National Weather Service in Slidell said Friday.

After nearly a foot of snow fell across the metro, nightly refreezes and icy roads are still likely over the next few nights in your New Orleans weather forecast.

New Orleans is forecast to get several inches of snow on Tuesday, potentially setting a record in the city known for heat and humidity. Why it matters: The region is expected to shutdown through Thursday in anticipation of icy road conditions.

While Iowa is recovering from a cold snap with negative 30 wind chill, the state is running about 20 to 30 inches below average for seasonal snowfall.

Metro New Orleans has received more snowfall since the start of meteorological winter than many cold-weather cities across the country, including Philadelphia, New York and Anchorage, Alaska.

Here's a look at snowfall totals from Tuesday's winter storm that blanketed Houston and parts Louisiana in multiple inches of the white stuff.

"Forecast models are guidance, not gospel." Here's how the blizzard rumor unfolded and what to know about next week's weather.