By Monday morning, the impact of the winter storm was already emerging, Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency Director Kristin Campanella said.
“We have very hazardous road conditions everywhere in the county with wrecks reported on both the east and west sides of Starkville,” Campanella said. “We’re not seeing a lot of traffic in the city of Starkville but as that picks up, there is likely to be more accidents. We’re urging people to stay home unless it’s an absolute emergency.”
Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency Director Cindy Lawrence said the county was just beginning to see the effects of the storm by 8 a.m.
“So far, there haven’t been many wrecks this morning, only two or three so far,” Lawrence said. “I do get the feeling that people are staying home, which is what we are telling everyone: Stay home.”
As the day progresses, the forecast calls for continuing freezing precipitation, bringing with it the possibility of power outages.
Campanella said even without outages, the increased demand for power could have negative consequences.
“Set your thermostat as low as you can stand it,” Campanella said, “at least 2 or 3 degrees, so we don’t overload the power grid.”
Lawrence said power outages pose a significant threat as ice collects on power lines and tree limbs.
“These are the conditions that create outages,” she said. “Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and blankets.”
Both EMA directors advised citizens to report power outages to their utility providers rather than calling 911.
“Calling the power company numbers directly keeps 911 dispatchers free to deal with other kinds of emergencies,” Campanella said.
Campanella said as temperatures continue to drop throughout the day and into Tuesday, residents should keep a small steam of water running from faucets and open cabinets that contain those water faucets.
“A slow drip isn’t enough with the temperatures we expect,” she said. “It needs to be a stream, not just overnight but throughout the day, probably well into Tuesday.”
The city of Columbus’ public works department employees have been out sanding roads and bridges in preparation for icy roads and dangerous weather, according to Mayor Robert Smith’s official Facebook page. He warned residents to limit travel as much as possible.
In Columbus, the Golden Triangle Homeless Coalition also opened a temporary warming shelter for homeless people. Anyone in need of shelter can call the coalition at 662-549-2643. Sandra DePriest, co-president of the homeless coalition, said the shelter is stocked with food and masks and has room for individuals to socially distance. It will be open through Friday morning.
Oktibbeha County EMA is also advising people not to travel within the next few days. EMA has an emergency shelter ready on stand-by.
“We have had it on standby since Saturday, and have not had any call for it yet,” Campanella said.
She clarified that it is a warming shelter, not a sleeping shelter. People who need to utilize it can call EMA at 662-338-1076.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
