With frigid temperatures across Mississippi, Columbus and other communities are opening shelters and people are being told to keep an eye on their pets and elderly neighbors.
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for northern counties, including Columbus, lasting until noon Tuesday and a wind chill advisory lasting until 9 a.m.
Columbus is expected to have an overnight low of 15 degrees, while lows in other counties north of Jackson are expected to drop into the low teens. The wind chill could be as low as 5 or 10 degrees.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 35 degrees and calm winds. The low will drop to about 27 degrees that night with mostly cloudy skies.
Meteorologist Jared Allen said some areas will stay at or below freezing until Tuesday.
There is a slight chance of freezing rain and sleet before 9 a.m. Wednesday, which will have a high near 44 and a 50 percent chance of precipitation.
Jackson city spokesman Chris Mims said officials are expecting shelters to be full the next two nights.
On the coast, Harrison County Emergency Management director Rupert Lacy said about 150 people have shown up at cold-weather shelters run by nonprofits.
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