Flooding, Winter Weather Alerts

PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is monitoring a winter weather system moving toward the central part of the state. According to the National Weather Service, the main impact could be snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches in some areas. Some parts of the state as far south as Hattiesburg, could see up to 1 inch.

The NWS has issued the following watches and warnings, which are subject to change due to developing weather conditions:

· Winter Storm Watch: Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Clay, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Leflore, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Warren, Webster, Winston and Yazoo counties.

· Flood Warning: Attala, Carroll, Clay, Copiah, George, Greene, Hancock, Hinds, Holmes, Jackson, Jones, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Neshoba, Noxubee, Pearl River, Perry, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Warren, Wayne and Yazoo counties.

Heavy accumulation is not expected on most roadways, but some roads, bridges and overpasses could develop icy or slushy conditions, as heavier snow showers develop in some areas. Forecasts indicate below freezing temperatures on Thursday and Friday evenings, which raise the concern for re-freezing of roads, bridges and overpasses. Motorists should use caution on their morning commute.

Snow accumulation could also bring down trees and power lines. If you encounter any downed power lines, always treat them as if they are live, and report them to your power company or call 9-1-1.

MEMA has been providing regular updates to Gov. Phil Bryant, and conducting daily conference calls with local officials since the weather system arrived on Monday.

Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly and at-risk neighbors and relatives due to the increased potential for power outages and temperatures dropping well below freezing. Make sure they have a safe, warm place to stay while the conditions remain cold and hazardous.

Stay tuned to your local media outlets for updates on weather and schools in your area.

This storm system moved into the state Monday bringing heavy rain and ice to parts of the state. No major damages have been reported to the State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl.