Mississippi – A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect across a large portion of central and eastern Mississippi as heavy freezing rain and sleet threaten to create dangerous and potentially crippling conditions this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the watch covers Attala, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clay, Hinds, Leake, Lowndes, Madison, Oktibbeha, Rankin, and Winston counties from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. This includes the Jackson metro area, as well as Starkville, Columbus, Canton, Madison, Ridgeland, Pearl, Brandon, Kosciusko, and Louisville.
Forecasters warn that significant ice accumulation is possible, with freezing rain and sleet expected to coat roads, bridges, trees, and power lines. Impacts could include widespread power outages, falling tree limbs, and travel conditions that may become impossible, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.
A second Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon for Adams, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties, including Natchez, Brookhaven, Hazlehurst, Fayette, and Crystal Springs, where similar ice impacts are expected.
Officials urge residents to complete preparations now, avoid travel during icing, and closely monitor forecast updates in case the watch is upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as confidence increases.
