Winter storm warning issued for parts of Mississippi

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The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a winter Storm Warning for parts of Mississippi effective 6 a.m. Wednesday ahead of another storm system set to impact the region.

Hinds and Madison counties, as well as several other portions of central Mississippi and the Delta, will see more freezing rain and sleet as the storm passes through the region. Northwestern Mississippi and some eastern parts of the state will also be affected.

Much of the state is still contending with icy roadways, and conditions are expected to worsen with the coming storm. Drivers are urged to stay off roadways and only travel when absolutely necessary.

The warning will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

Interstate, highway closures and advisories

Authorities are warning against any travel unless necessary and road conditions remain dangerous. The following closures and advisories are in place as of 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Closure: I-2 

Thousands remain without power

The number of pawer outages across the state is declining, but thousands are still without. As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, roughly 18,700 customers were without power. On Monday, Poweroutage.us reported about 55,000 customers were without power. 

The hardest-hit counties lie in a northeasterly line from Pike County to Kemper County. Counties in the northwestern part of the state have experienced significant numbers of outages as well during the storm.

Some state health departments, vaccine sites closed Wednesday

The Mississippi State Department of Health has announced that only a few county health departments, WIC centers and offices in south Mississippi will be open Wednesday as wintry weather continues in the state.

Locations will be open in the following counties:

• Forrest
• George
• Greene
• Hancock
• Harrison
• Jackson
• Jones
• Lamar
• Pearl River
• Perry
• Stone
• Wayne

In addition, most of the state's drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination sites will also be closed Wednesday, except for those in Harrison, Jackson, Forrest and Jones counties. Anyone with an appointment at other sites will have their shot automatically rescheduled. The health department will contact affected residents by phone, text or email.

The health department also said its free COVID-19 testing in Calhoun, Copiah and Hinds counties will be canceled and anyone with an appointment is advised to reschedule. The Hancock County testing site will be open, officials said.

City of Jackson offices remain closed, trash collection suspended Wednesday

The city of Jackson has announced all administrative offices will remain closed Wednesday due to inclement weather. All employees who have been working remotely will continue to do so.

Trash collection throughout central Mississippi will also be suspended Wednesday. Waste management officials said service will resume when roadways are deemed safe to travel.

EB I-20 in Rankin County closed due to disabled vehicles

The Mississippi Department of Transportation is warning drivers to avoid eastbound Interstate 20 in Rankin County near the Pearson Road exit due to disabled vehicles.

Officials from the department said the closure will be in place until further notice.

Road crews have been working since late Monday night to treat highways in the area. But there have been several accidents in the region and roads in several areas have been closed due to poor conditions.

Road conditions are expected to worsen due to a new storm system expected Wednesday.

City of Jackson issues boil water advisory

The city of Jackson has issued a boil water advisory until further notice for roughly 43,000 customers after freezing temperatures have affected water production.

According to a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, the record cold temperatures that have gripped the region have affected equipment at the city's water treatment plants and they can no longer maintain adequate water pressure. Some residents may experience low to no pressure when using faucets or appliances until the issue is resolved.

The city advises that all water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute before use for the following:

• cooking or baking
• making ice cubes
• taking medication
• brushing teeth
• washing food
• mixing baby formula or food
• mixing juices or drinks
• feeding pets
• washing dishes

City officials said residents will be notified when the boil advisory has been lifted.

Water main breaks

Jackson Public Works Director Charles Williams has said the city is preparing for an expected high volume of water main breaks. He encouraged the public to report any water main breaks or low water pressure by calling 311. 

Hazardous travel conditions expected for days in Mississippi

Hazardous travel conditions have been an issue since the winter storm moved in on Sunday and according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, conditions won't improve much for days to come.

"We are treating right now, as much as we can, all of our interstates," Jas N. Smith, MDOT deputy director of Public Affairs, said Tuesday. "We're using salt and snow plows to clear the roads."

But even with salt, snow plows and crews working 12-hour shifts, the department can't get ahead of what it's being dealt.

"We're expecting another wave of winter weather with subfreezing temperatures and possibly frozen precipitation," Smith said. "We could see roads refreezing and possibly covered with ice again.

"It's a pretty unprecedented event. We have Mother Nature working against us. We'll be starting all over again."

Weather-related incidents mounting, MHP says

Roads and bridges across most of Mississippi are covered in ice and snow, creating a dangerous situation for motorists and leaving some roads impassible. 

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, state troopers have worked 695 weather-related calls between Sunday and 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Jackson airport closures extended

Due to continuing hazardous conditions, the Jackson Municipal Airport authority has extended the suspension of service at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Airport and Hawkins Field.

Both airports are expected to reopen at 11 p.m. Wednesday, but if conditions worsen the closure may be extended.

Thunder, snow, sleet and lightning: Even meteorologists admit this Mississippi storm was one for the ages

Mail delivery suspended

The U.S. Postal Service announced it is suspending delivery Tuesday in parts of Mississippi. Customers with ZIP codes 369, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 396, and 397 will not receive mail today due to dangerous road conditions.

All operations at post offices in those areas are also suspended Tuesday.

For updates on changes in operations, customers are advised to check https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

School closures: Mississippi schools announce closures, transitions to virtual learning

Need help? Emergency power outage number

Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said Sunday that residents who both have a power outage and a life-threatening condition or have an emergency need for power can call or text (601) 383-3287 for assistance.

Check back for updates.