An ice storm warning is in effect for Greenville and several surrounding counties as a major winter storm makes its way across several states.
The ice storm warning is in effect until midnight Friday. Up to half an inch of ice accumulation is expected in Sunflower, Leflore and Washington counties, as well as Ashley and Chicot counties in Arkansas, according to the National Weather Service.
There has been rainfall Thursday morning to last all day, with it all becoming freezing rain after 1 p.m. The temperature high for today is 31 degrees and is expected to drop to 25 degrees by nightfall.
Power outages and tree damage are anticipated with any ice build-up. Travel could be nearly impossible and is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. People should be prepared for possible power outages.
Rainfall is expected to stop by Friday morning and conditions will be mostly cloudy with a temperature high of 36 degrees and a low of 21 degrees.
The latest road conditions for Mississippi can be obtained by visiting mdottraffic.com.
Forecasters said heavy ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania.
More than 100,000 homes and businesses have already been reported to be without power, mostly in Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports.
The disruptive storm began Tuesday and moved across the central U.S. on Wednesday's Groundhog Day, the same day the famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. The storm came on the heels of a nor’easter last weekend that brought blizzard conditions to many parts of the East Coast.
Safety tips
According to the American Red Cross, there are several precautions to take to keep homes safe from water freezing in pipelines during cold weather events.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines; water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets; and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
People are advised to keep running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - to help prevent pipes from freezing.
For those who may going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
To keep yourself safe, stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers. If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
Also, be sure to check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone. If possible, bring pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.
