Jackson, Mississippi – A high-impact winter storm could bring crippling ice, sleet, and prolonged power outages across much of Mississippi beginning Friday afternoon, with dangerous conditions potentially lasting through Sunday afternoon. Travel may become impossible in some areas as roads glaze over and trees and power lines take on heavy ice.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for a large portion of Mississippi, along with parts of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. Forecasters warn that the primary threat will be freezing rain and sleet, with significant ice accumulations capable of causing widespread tree damage and power outages lasting more than a day.
In Mississippi, the watch includes the Jackson metro area, the Delta, and north-central and east-central counties. Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenwood, Greenville, Yazoo City, Starkville, Columbus, Grenada, and Canton could all see hazardous conditions. Bridges and overpasses along I-20, I-55, U.S. 49, and Highway 82 are expected to become slick quickly as wintry precipitation spreads from northwest to southeast Friday afternoon into early Saturday.
Emergency officials urge residents to complete storm preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel, and have supplies ready for extended power outages. Dangerously cold temperatures are expected Friday night into early next week, increasing risks if utilities are disrupted.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon, and additional warnings are likely as confidence grows in the severity of ice impacts.
