Frigid temperatures will visit the Golden Triangle next week, bringing a possible mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow.
Chad Entremont, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Jackson, told The Dispatch Friday that on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, temperatures may get as low as between 10 and 15 degrees.
“Essentially, by Monday afternoon (or) Monday night, that’s when the heavy, strong cold comes in,” he said.
Entremont said the temperature isn’t expected to get above freezing until late Wednesday. Lows are forecast in the teens or 20s through next weekend.
“Any time we get to the teens and have two-plus days of below freezing (temperatures), you can have hard freeze conditions with pipes, water main kind of things,” he said.
He said that it is possible for low-end accumulation of winter precipitation, but it is “a little bit of a challenge” to estimate how much, if any, the Golden Triangle will receive.
Cindy Lawrence, executive director for the Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency, said people should bring pets and plants inside.
Pipes should be covered and faucets should be allowed to drip to prevent freezing.
“If there’s any winter weather warnings where they’re telling people to stay off road ways, please adhere to the notifications,” she said.
As of Friday afternoon, Golden Triangle big box retailers were out of faucet covers. Benton’s Military Hardware in Columbus was sold out of their normal faucet covers, but they were selling covers they had made using paint pails, rope and rags for insulation.
An employee at the store said they made them during the prolonged freeze in early 2023 and began making them again this week.
Warming shelters
Warming shelters will be available in both Oktibbeha and Lowndes counties.
The First Baptist Church warehouse on 210 S. Jackson St. in Starkville will be open beginning 8 p.m. Sunday through 8 a.m. Thursday, said Brandi Herrington, executive director for the nonprofit Starkville Strong.
Herrington said Starkville Strong worked on the shelter plans with the Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency.
“We’re really happy that this came together like it did,” she said.
The shelter will provide cots, blankets, snacks, water, a restroom and some hygiene items. Pets aren’t allowed but can be temporarily boarded with the Oktibbeha County Humane Society.
Winter storm donation bins are available at Dunkington on 109 S. Lafayette St. and the Starkville Public Library at 326 University Drive. Starkville Strong’s seven pantries are also in need of food donations.
In Columbus, the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition’s winter warming station at 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive beginning Friday at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“This is an offensive move so we can get (people) out of the elements before the really, really bad weather hits this upcoming week,” said GTRHC president Susan Garton.
Pet safety
OCHS is offering straw for outdoor pet housing Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“The big thing right now is that (pets) need proper housing,” said Beck Ehardt. “A basic dog kennel isn’t going to be enough to keep them safe.”
She said straw is superior to other materials like hay and blankets because it will not absorb water.
There will be limited spots available at the humane society building for emergency boarding. Those interested should call (662) 338-9093 for availability.
Kevin Edwards is news editor and reports on Starkville and Oktibbeha County government.
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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 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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