Jackson, Mississippi – A potentially significant ice storm could impact large portions of Mississippi this weekend, with freezing rain and sleet posing a growing threat to travel and power infrastructure.
According to graphics released by the National Weather Service in Jackson, ice storm impacts are possible from Friday night through Sunday evening, with impacts expected to gradually progress southward as colder air moves into the region. The agency emphasized that the graphics depict the earliest reasonable onset of impacts, not the full duration of the storm.
The highest risk levels are currently focused across central and northern Mississippi, where impacts range from elevated to extreme. In these areas, forecasters warn of dangerous to potentially impassable roads, along with an increased risk of downed trees and power lines due to ice accumulation. Power outages could last multiple days in the hardest-hit locations.
Areas farther south are currently expected to see limited to elevated impacts, though officials caution that conditions could worsen if freezing rain extends farther south than currently projected.
The National Weather Service notes that precipitation may continue across much of the state into Sunday, even after impacts begin, which could compound travel and infrastructure problems.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates, review preparedness plans, and reconsider non-essential travel this weekend as conditions develop. Additional updates are expected as confidence in timing and impact levels improves.
