Mississippi is bracing for treacherous winter weather, as freezing rain and ice are expected to create hazardous road conditions overnight and into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, warning that even a thin layer of ice could make roads dangerously slick, cause power outages, and create serious travel disruptions.
The worst conditions are expected late Tuesday night through early Wednesday morning, with freezing rain continuing until around 7 AM. While snowfall is not in the forecast, the real danger lies in ice accumulation, which can turn roads into sheets of ice, snap tree branches, and bring down power lines.
What to Expect From This Ice Storm
- When: Freezing rain is expected to begin late Tuesday night, intensify through the early morning hours, and taper off by 7 AM Wednesday.
- How Much Ice? While the accumulation will be light, it doesn’t take much to create hazardous driving conditions. Areas in northern Mississippi, including Oxford, may see enough ice to cause major disruptions.
- Where Will It Hit? The most impacted region is expected to be north of U.S. Highway 82, but dangerous icy roads could extend beyond this zone.
Why Freezing Rain is More Dangerous Than Snow
Unlike snow, which can be plowed and shoveled, freezing rain falls as liquid and instantly freezes on contact with cold surfaces. This creates a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice—often referred to as black ice—which makes roads, bridges, sidewalks, and overpasses incredibly slippery and dangerous.
Some of the biggest risks include:
- Treacherous Roads: Even a small amount of ice can cause cars to slide uncontrollably, leading to accidents and road closures.
- Power Outages: Ice buildup on power lines and trees can cause branches to snap and power failures in some areas.
- Slip-and-Fall Hazards: Sidewalks, driveways, and steps will become extremely slick, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
How to Stay Safe During the Ice Storm
1. Stay Off the Roads If You Can
Officials strongly advise against driving, as roads will be extremely slick and dangerous before sunrise. If you must travel, follow these precautions:
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns—they can cause skidding
- Stay off bridges and overpasses, which freeze faster than other roads
2. Be Ready for Power Outages
Since ice can weigh down power lines, outages are possible. Make sure you have:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Fully charged phones and backup power banks
Warm blankets and extra layers in case your heat goes out
3. Be Extra Careful Walking Outside
Even short walks to your car or mailbox could be dangerous. If you have to go outside:
Wear shoes with good traction
Walk slowly and carefully to avoid slipping
4. Keep Up With Weather and Road Updates
This storm is moving quickly, and conditions can change overnight. Stay informed by checking:
Local weather reports for the latest updates
Mississippi’s 511 road conditions before driving
Emergency alerts from the National Weather Service
Road Crews Are Working, But Ice is Hard to Clear
Salt trucks and road crews are treating major highways with brine, but freezing rain can still create a thin, slick layer of ice on top. Unlike snow, ice is much harder to remove, so even plowed roads may still be extremely dangerous.
Officials say secondary roads and residential streets could remain icy well into Wednesday morning, even after the storm has passed. If you must drive, be prepared for delays, road closures, and extremely slow-moving traffic.
Final Warning: Stay Indoors If You Can
This isn’t just a minor winter event—even a small amount of freezing rain can create life-threatening conditions. If you don’t need to go out, stay home and avoid unnecessary risks.
By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures are expected to rise slightly, helping to melt the ice in some areas, but slick spots could linger on shaded roads and bridges well into the day.
