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JACKSON, MISS. – Winter Storm Fern will descend upon Mississippi this week, and current forecasts predict sleet, freezing rain and heavy snow in portions of Mississippi starting Friday. The National Weather Service has predicted a significant winter weather event to impact northern and central Mississippi, which could create hazardous travel conditions. Sub-freezing temperatures are also expected through early next week. Conditions can change quickly, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is prepared to respond to winter weather and extreme cold events.
MDOT crews have prepared equipment by installing salt spreaders on trucks and making sure all response vehicles are running properly. Crews have stockpiled salt, sand and asphalt slag piles.
On Tuesday, MDOT began preparations to treat roadways in north and central Mississippi ahead of the storm by loading salt brine onto trucks. When applied to a dry road surface, salt brine can help prevent ice formation on travel lanes. If the roads are already wet, granular salt can be applied to help prevent the formation of ice by lowering the freezing point of water. Sand and slag can also be spread to help improve traction in slushy conditions. On Thursday, crews will begin spraying salt brine on highways and interstates after rain moves through.
“Winter weather events in Mississippi can be unpredictable and impact motorists from the Tennessee border all the way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast as we saw last year,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT crews and personnel are trained and prepared to deploy equipment and a variety of materials to keep Mississippi highways open and passable as much as possible during winter weather events.”
While MDOT is prepared to monitor road conditions and keep highways passable, motorists also need to be prepared for winter weather. Before loading up to travel during the winter months, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
- Have your vehicle battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
- Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in your vehicle’s cooling system.
- Get your brakes checked to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Make sure the heater, defroster and windshield wipers are good to go for the winter.
Creating a winter weather kit to keep in the car in case of a winter weather emergency can be a lifesaver. While MDOT crews will be working to keep roads passable, sometimes conditions can overwhelm available resources, and cars can be on the highways for long periods. Here are some important things to have just in case:
- Windshield scraper
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water and snacks
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing, jacket, gloves
“Fern is forecast to be a dangerous winter storm. We urge motorists to take winter weather safety seriously,” said White. “Always have a plan, stay updated on road conditions and follow guidance from your local weather officials to remain safe.”
For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit GoMDOT.com/winter. For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visit MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
