Mississippi
MS governor says state is ready ahead of winter storm, projected ice
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- Mississippi is preparing for a significant winter storm with emergency supplies positioned statewide.
- Governor Tate Reeves has activated the state Emergency Operation Center to distribute supplies.
- Ice is projected across the state, with significant accumulation expected in the northwest.
- The Mississippi Department of Transportation has been pre-treating roads and bridges since Wednesday.
- Residents are urged to check on friends, family, and neighbors during the severe weather event.
State agents and private partners are positioned around the state with emergency supplies to support Mississippians this weekend ahead of the projected winter storm, said Gov. Tate Reeves at a Friday news conference at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson.
Local emergency managers are distributing blankets and cots, and four counties opened shelters Friday, with two more set to open Saturday afternoon. Reeves said he spoke with the White House to activate the state Emergency Operation Center, which has distributed supplies throughout the state.
“We do not have unmet needs at this time,” he said. “We’ll see if more support is needed over the next 48-72 hours.”
Reeves said ice is projected as far south as the Gulf Coast region, with significant ice and sleet expected in the northwest section of the state.
The state Department of Transportation has been treating roads and bridges since Wednesday, he said, but ice could remain in parts of Mississippi into next week if the temperature stays under freezing.
“The most important thing I can say to Mississippians is, over the next 48 to 72 hours, check on your friends, family and neighbors,” Reeves said.
Reeves said generators were ready to be deployed to long-term care facilities.
Reeves notes that while it was 55 degrees in Jackson on Friday afternoon, temperatures had already fallen to 38 in Tunica in the Northwest part of the state.