Memphis, TN – A wintry mix is spreading across the Mid-South Monday, bringing light sleet, snow, and freezing rain to portions of East Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee. The system is expected to create slick roads during the evening commute and into early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday for counties including Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Mississippi, Cross, Crittenden, St. Francis, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry, Dyer, Gibson, Carroll, Benton, Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, Crockett, Madison, Henderson, and Decatur.
Forecasters expect less than 1 inch of combined snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations under one-tenth of an inch. Even these small amounts can create hazardous driving conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
According to the NWS, the wintry mix will continue through the evening before tapering off overnight. Temperatures hovering near freezing will allow icy patches to form quickly on cold surfaces, leading to potentially dangerous travel during the Monday evening commute.
Communities including Jonesboro, West Memphis, Blytheville, Forrest City, Kennett, Dyersburg, Jackson, Martin, and Paris should prepare for slow travel and allow extra time on the roads.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and exercise extreme caution. State transportation officials recommend checking 511 for the latest updates on road conditions across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Even light ice can increase the risk of slips and falls, and residents heading outside should use caution on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways.
