Authorities in Louisiana have warned people to prepare for extreme cold in the coming days, and a map by Newsweek shows where the polar vortex sweeping across large parts of the U.S. will hit the state hardest.

BATON ROUGE, La. - The National Weather Service is monitoring a possible winter weather event that will likely affect roadways as it moves through Louisiana. There is an Enhanced Risk

The winter storm next week is expected to dump up to 8 inches of snow in some areas and create hazardous road conditions in New Orleans, the northshore, Baton Rouge and Lafayette, with freezing temps for days.

NEW ORLEANS — Governor Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency on Saturday ahead of freezing conditions expected to hit Southeast Louisiana next week.

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.

As of 7 a.m. the National Weather Service of New Orleans and Baton Rouge forecast the following lows and wind chills: In Shreveport, the low is forecast at 27 degrees. Lake Charles’ low is forecast at 29 degrees. Monday going into Tuesday saw 40-degree drops from Sunday highs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

We are going to get extremely cold next week," one forecaster said. "However it takes a lot to get winter weather down here on the Gulf Coast.”

Gov. Jeff Landry has issued a State of Emergency in preparation for the winter weather expected to hit Louisiana. “Keeping Louisianans safe is our top priority.

Very cold arctic air will interact with several systems to bring chances of freezing rain, sleet, and snow

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) told Newsweek: "ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from January 20-23 due to predicted extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves. Winter precipitation is also expected across parts of the state.

As a blast of winter weather is expected to hit Southeast Louisiana, parish officials are preparing to help those in need of a warm place to stay.