Memphis, Tennessee – A significant winter storm is expected to create hazardous travel conditions across the Mid-South beginning Friday evening, with snow, sleet, and ice impacting roads through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Sunday for portions of East Arkansas, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee. The affected area includes counties surrounding Jonesboro, Blytheville, Paragould, Dyersburg, Union City, Martin, Paris, and Ripley. Snow and sleet accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are expected, along with ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch.
Regional impacts are expected to focus on travel and safety. Roads are likely to become slick and snow-covered quickly Friday night, especially bridges, overpasses, and rural highways. Sections of Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 412, and U.S. Highway 51 could see difficult or near-impassable conditions during heavier bands of precipitation.
In local communities across west Tennessee and northeast Arkansas, residents should prepare for prolonged winter conditions. Even modest ice accumulation could worsen travel and lead to isolated power issues. Emergency officials urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, especially overnight and during periods of heavier precipitation.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through Sunday evening, with impacts potentially lingering into early next week. Residents should continue monitoring local alerts and check road conditions by calling 511 before attempting travel as conditions deteriorate across the Mid-South.
