Video: Operating Through the Ice

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The mix of sleet and snow hit early this morning in Tupelo and motorists who decided to get out have dealt with slick streets all day.

For the second time in one week, residents in Tupelo have been dealing with very unusual driving conditions. Last week, it was mostly snow, but today, the early morning sleet made sidewalks, streets and driveways very slippery.

As a new day was trying to dawn in Tupelo, this Walgreen’s worker was clearing the sidewalk of ice and snow.

Eight days after a near record snow storm, freezing temperatures overnight, coupled with percipitation , left streets coated with sheets of ice.

Public Works Trucks outfitted with snow plows were a common sight.

Slick streets and frigid temperatures meant another unexpected interruption in many schedules.

“It’s best to stay home, we’ve closed city offices, schools are closed here, so it’s time to enjoy a snow day with your family,” said Mayor Jason Shelton.

But not everyone was able to heed the mayor’s advice. A few businesses were open.

At Tupelo Hardware there was a big demand for plumbing supplies and other weather related items.

“We got people, busted pipes and what have you and they come here to get their hardware, and we got a bunch of sleds too, we sell a bunch of them this time of year,” said Floyd Hodges, a sales associate at Tupelo Hardware.

First Responders were also on duty navigating the roads and tow truck drivers were busy. This crew from Tupelo based J and A Towing came upon this 18 wheeler, that was stuck in the ice at North Gloster and McCullough Boulevard.

The experts soon had the truck and its driver on the road again.

Others refused to let the ice hinder their plans.

“It’s not going to stop me from getting my workout in,” said Brad Wilson, who wasn’t on duty at the police department, so he hit the gym at SNAP Fitness, with his girlfriend, who is a personal trainer.

“We live very close to the gym so we were able to make it in his truck, however , if you’re not able to make it to the gym don’t let that be an excuse, there are still plenty of things you can do at home to get a workout in,” said SNAP Personal Trainer Katylan Sisk.

Kaytlan is also a teacher and has a message for her students at Milam Elementary.

“As much as kids love snow days I think teachers love them even more so I’m definitely enjoying that today and getting to sleep in and I know all of my students are enjoying that as well, so if you all are watching, hey,” she said.

Of course they will have to make the snow day up, but Kaytlan says the unexpected day off is worth it.