Memphis, Tennessee – A crippling ice storm is expected to impact large portions of the Mid-South beginning Friday evening, with dangerous icing likely to make travel impossible and cause long-lasting power outages through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Sunday for much of North Mississippi and West Tennessee. Ice accumulations between one-half inch and one inch are expected, along with one to three inches of snow and sleet. Officials warn that power outages lasting more than a day are likely, with extensive tree damage expected as ice loads increase.
Cities including Memphis, Tupelo, Oxford, Corinth, Senatobia, Batesville, New Albany, Pontotoc, Selmer, Savannah, and Bolivar are expected to see rapidly deteriorating conditions Friday evening. Major routes such as Interstate 40, Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 51, and U.S. Highway 72 are likely to become ice-covered, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Farther east, the National Weather Service in Nashville has issued an Ice Storm Warning from midnight Friday night through 6 p.m. Sunday for Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, and Lewis counties. Ice accumulations between one-quarter inch and one-half inch are expected, with locally higher amounts possible, increasing the risk of power failures and road closures in communities such as Lawrenceburg, Waynesboro, Linden, and Hohenwald.
In northwest Alabama, the National Weather Service in Huntsville has also issued an Ice Storm Warning from midnight Friday night through Sunday evening for Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin counties. Ice accumulations up to one inch are possible in Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Russellville, and Tuscumbia, with officials warning of dangerous indoor temperatures if prolonged power outages occur after the storm.
Emergency managers urge residents to restrict travel to emergencies only, prepare for extended power outages, and charge devices ahead of time. Road conditions should be checked through 511 before any travel.
Ice storm warnings remain in effect through Sunday evening, and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve across the Mid-South and Tennessee Valley.
