Pearl, Miss. — Mississippians will need to be on the lookout for icy roads through Thursday in parts of the state that won’t see temperatures above freezing, particularly in North Mississippi.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to keep up with announcements coming from the State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl:
- Schools: Several schools, colleges and universities have closed or delayed opening for Tuesday. It is recommended that you contact your specific school district, college or university for more information.
- Power Outages: As of 3 p.m., electric power companies and associations reported nearly 14,000 power outages statewide.
- Roads: The Mississippi Department of Transportation is reporting some icing on Mississippi roadways in several counties. MDOT continues to monitor roadway conditions, and treat iced roadways when needed. For up-to-date roadway information, go to www.mdottraffic.com or dial 5-1-1.
- Accidents: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has reported 25 accidents and two injuries. Motorists are urged to stay off the roads as additional icing is expected on roads, bridges and overpasses.
With the forecast of freezing rain in parts of the state, residents should be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time.
MEMA recommends the following safety tips during winter storms:
- Stay home and do not drive on snowy or icy roads unless it is an emergency.
- Have a fully stocked emergency supply kit.
- Stay clear of downed power lines. Even if the electricity appears to have been turned off, leave the lines alone. Do not try to move them yourself.
- Only operate generators outdoors. Do not operate a generator inside your home or garage.
- Be cautious when using alternative heat sources. Do not use a stove for heat because it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check on neighbors who are shut-ins, elderly, families with small children, medical-care dependent, non-English speaking, low-income and have no transportation to ensure they have power and are safe.
- “Letting water drip from a faucet during extremely cold weather can relieve water pressure and help prevent pipes of your home from bursting. If you suspect your pipes are frozen and may have burst, turn off your water at the main shut-off valve and call a plumber.
