Snow and ice reduce visibility on Highway 61; motorists urged to use caution

At 7:45 a.m., the Coahoma County Fire Department public information officer said conditions on Highway 61 include very limited visibility following recent snowfall and persistent icy patches that create a significant hazard for drivers.

The department advised all motorists to exercise extreme caution if they must travel on the roadway, emphasizing the increased risk posed by low visibility and slippery surfaces.

Highway 61 is a major north-south route that runs through Coahoma County in northwest Mississippi and connects a number of rural communities and smaller towns. Weather-related hazards on this corridor can disrupt daily commutes, school transportation and commercial traffic.

Authorities generally recommend that drivers reduce speed, increase following distance, use headlights and avoid unnecessary travel during such conditions. Motorists should also be prepared for changing conditions and delayed emergency response times in areas with heavy snow or ice.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.