Mississippi is bracing for the threat of winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service, areas in North and Central Mississippi may see anywhere between 1-3 inches of snow beginning around 9 p.m.
Temperatures will also drop as an “arctic cold front” moves through the area.
“An arctic cold front will move through the region tonight. As it does so, rain, initially with the front, will become mixed with snow and eventually change over to all snow before ending from the northwest toward morning. Though lows tonight will drop into the 20s and lower 30s, blustery winds will drop wind chills into the teens and lower 20s.”
In North Mississippi, the accumulation may be closer to 1 inch, but the temperatures will also drop.
“Accumulations up to one inch will be possible, mainly south of a Charleston to Oxford Mississippi to Decaturville Tennessee line. Localized amounts to up to 1.5 inches will be possible south and east of Tupelo. The snow should exit the area by sunrise Tuesday. In addition to the light snow, the arrival of Arctic air may freeze moisture on bridges and road puddles tonight, resulting in slick spots that may persist into early Tuesday.”
While it is good to be prepared, Ray Coleman with MEMA stated that the approaching snow storm won’t necessarily carry the same threat as an ice storm.
“We don’t want folks to freak out, because, at the end of the day, it is a snow event, but we don’t anticipate any widespread issues when it comes to power outages or anything like what you would see with an ice storm,” Coleman said.
Coleman added that the Mississippi Department of Transportation has already begun to treat roads across the state just in case the snow melts early and turns to ice.
Temperatures will rise in the afternoon on Tuesday, and the snow will melt, but the frigid temperatures will return. With lows in the 20s on Wednesday, MEMA wants you to continue to stay prepared.
“If you have any elderly family and friends be sure to check on them, and make sure you protect your pipes and pets.”
Also, be sure to check with your local emergency management officials to see if any heating centers will be opening.
If you do get on the roads tomorrow, take it slow and be extra cautious.
Can’t stay home tomorrow? Here are our favorite winter driving safety tips. Pay particular attention to tips 2 and 3 and 4. #WinterSafety pic.twitter.com/E2Ykzyoo72
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) January 28, 2019
