Mississippi Winter Storm Recovery Update
PEARL – The State Emergency Operations Center has confirmed three weather related deaths as a result of the storm system that began moving through Mississippi on Tuesday. One death occurred in Hinds County, one in Lafayette County and one in Simpson County.
There are still an estimated 28,000 power outages across Mississippi. A shelter and a warming center are open to assist those without power. The locations are:
Red Cross Shelter:
Lewis Johnson Senior Citizen Complex, 299 MLK Jr. Blvd. in Grenada.
Warming Centers:
Salvation Army Center in Greenville.
The Mississippi State Department of Health’s Emergency Response Coordinators are working with County Emergency Managers, and are conducting safety and well-being checks on vulnerable residents, such as senior citizens and those with functional and medical needs. While officials continue this operation, the public is encouraged to do the same with friends, family and neighbors.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation has been working around the clock since Sunday to keep roads and bridges passable and safe for the traveling public.
Currently, MDOT is reporting 16 counties in Northeast Mississippi with ice on roads and bridges: Alcorn, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Oktibbeha, Prentiss, Pontotoc, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster and Winston.
In counties affected by winter weather, MDOT urges extreme caution if motorists must travel. Before you leave your destination, check the weather forecast, local law enforcement advisories and Mississippi 511 for travel info.
If traveling, follow these safe driving techniques.
Buckle up and slow down.
Use headlights to be more visible to other motorists.
Avoid distractions such as talking on a cell phone and texting.
Allow more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Brake early and gently to avoid skidding and never slam on the brakes.
Avoid using cruise control on icy roads.
Stay alert and watch out for other drivers on the roadway.
MDOT crews will continue to work 24/7 to monitor road conditions and clear affected roads and bridges in the affected areas.
Stay updated on road conditions and travel info. in Mississippi at www.MDOTtraffic.com.
Much of the north central part of the state saw between 3-6 inches of snow, with some areas reporting nearly 10 inches of accumulation.
As of 4 p.m. there are more than 28,000 power outages being reported, the largest numbers are:
Montgomery: 4,156
Carroll: 3,365
Grenada: 3,288
Monroe: 2,768
Lowndes: 2,475
Tallahatchie: 2,422
Calhoun: 2,416
Webster: 2,279
Yalobusha: 1,480
Chickasaw: 1,097
Clay: 1,045
Choctaw: 415
Itawamba: 260
Oktibbeha: 321
Leflore: 185
Lee: 100
Several counties are also reporting less than 100 power outages countywide.
Some school districts are closed or delayed on Friday. Check with your local districts for the status in your area.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated responding to any requests for assistance from local governments.
For detailed preparedness information, go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” us on twitter.
