Gov. Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency as Mississippi braces for a weekend full of potentially severe winter weather.
The state of emergency, signed by Reeves on Thursday afternoon warns that incoming weather could pose “a threat to the life and safety of the residents in the impacted areas of the state, as well as their property.” It also reassures state assistance to support the response and recovery efforts of local governments.
“I have declared a State of Emergency in advance of the severe winter weather that is expected to impact Mississippi starting Friday. The State of Emergency will be in effect through at least January 27,” Reeves stated. “Doing so will allow us to further mobilize state assets and better support response efforts in counties affected by the impending storm.”
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service shows the first Winter Storm Fern’s impacts on Mississippi will hit the northernmost part of the state as early as 6 p.m. on Friday and creep southwest to Greenville. Expected conditions are currently categorized as “extreme,” meaning extended impacts could include freezing rain and sleet. Numerous power outages, some of which could extend for multiple days, are “likely,” NWS said.
Early Saturday morning, still severe but slightly lesser conditions are forecast to move southward and take over much of central Mississippi. Elements such as freezing rain and sleet will keep trekking south throughout the day and into the night, reaching as far as just below Hattiesburg on Sunday morning. Wintery conditions throughout the majority of the state are expected to remain through Sunday evening.
In response to the expected conditions, Reeves announced that the state has already sent a multitude of resources to counties upon request.
“The state of Mississippi has deployed generators, pallets of water, roof tarps, blankets, pillows, and cots to counties that have requested them,” he stated. “Warming shelters are also being opened by counties.
“State Area Coordinators are in constant contact with local emergency managers statewide and are assisting them in identifying any gaps in local plans. Coordinators will continue to work with local emergency managers on Friday.”
While some power outages are expected to occur during the winter storm, Reeves assured the public that he has been in contact with utility providers. A priority of the governor’s is to ensure that power is restored to homes as quickly as possible when the lights do go off.
“The state of Mississippi is also in close contact with utility providers throughout the state. Based on the current forecasts, ice is expected to accumulate on and impact power lines,” Reeves’ statement continued. “This ice accumulation, as well as downed trees, could cause power outages. Mississippians should prepare for power outages in advance of the storm. Utility providers are working diligently to prepare for potential outages. Should power outages occur, they will work to restore power as quickly as possible.”
As the winter weather begins to move into Mississippi, Reeves reminds the public that it is prudent to keep an eye on the forecast and to stay off the roads, unless driving is absolutely necessary. The latest forecast can be found here.