State warns north Mississippi to prepare as freezing rain, sleet likely

“Prepare for the worst. Pray for the best. Expect somewhere in between,” a Facebook post warned residents as forecasts shifted and officials urged preparation across north Mississippi.

The post said the latest forecasts have moved potential impacts slightly south, particularly along the western border of the Mississippi River from Vicksburg through Natchez to the state line. It said communities on or north of an imaginary line from Greenville to Greenwood to Amory are now likely to see ice and impacts from freezing rain and sleet beginning as early as sundown.

The post also told residents from Natchez to Jackson to Columbus to prepare for very cold weather and the potential for significant impacts from ice, freezing rain or sleet. It directed readers to a risk-level graphic included with the message.

Freezing rain and sleet can coat roads and power lines, creating hazardous travel conditions and the risk of power outages. Officials generally advise stocking emergency supplies, avoiding nonessential travel during icing events, protecting exposed pipes and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. We will provide more information as it becomes available.