Snow and sleet began falling in parts of central and north Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon and authorities said icy precipitation was already accumulating in nearly three dozen counties.
The wintry weather threatened to make for hazardous driving conditions a week after slick roads were blamed for hundreds of accidents and traffic jams and at least three fatal car wrecks.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for central and north Mississippi. Area churches canceled Wednesday night services across north Mississippi, and area colleges including Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women and East Mississippi Community College canceled Wednesday night classes. Some schools and colleges, including the University of Mississippi, shut down early.
Forecasters expected snow to fall in much of the northern half of the state with the possibility of 6 inches of snow in parts of the Delta and north Mississippi, with lighter accumulations further south toward Interstate 20.
“We may see 1 to 3 inches along the I-20 corridor and then if you go a little further south it will be less than an inch, if they get anything at all,” said Latrice Maxie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. “More to the southeast they”ll see less snow. They may not see any at all. It will be a light dusting if they do.”
Authorities said some roads, bridges and overpasses could become dangerous.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation said ice and snow was accumulating by Wednesday afternoon in nearly three dozen counties.
“We”ve already had reports of numerous accidents so it”s already causing some problems on the roadways,” Maxie said. “There could be some slush developing on the road ways, especially in less-traveled areas, and the temperatures falling overnight could cause some slick spots on bridges and raised areas.”
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said the snow could cause travel problems with roads, bridges and overpasses becoming slick and dangerous.
“It is recommended that if you do not have to be on the roads in the snowy areas tonight to please stay home,” MEMA said in a release.
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