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MDOT urges emergency travel only in wake of Winter Storm
JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging emergency travel only for motorists in areas heavily impacted by Winter Storm Fern. Ice is still being reported on roads, bridges and overpasses in 26 counties. Counties currently experiencing ice include Alcorn, Benton. Bolivar, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union and Yalobusha.
Crews will be working in full force to treat affected roadways in north Mississippi counties today. They will be applying salt and slag to bridges and trouble spots to provide traction and melt the ice. Snowplow operations are also underway in the northernmost counties. While road treatment operations progress, MDOT warns that low temperatures over the next few nights will likely refreeze treated roads and bridges in some areas.
“Please allow space for our crews to work as we work to keep roads open during this winter storm,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “If you have to travel, remain cautious of changing road conditions. We strongly discourage travel unless it’s an emergency.”
MDOT recommends emergency travel only in impacted counties. For emergency travel, the agency offers these safe driving tips:
·Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road
·Remain cautious in areas with overhanging trees and other shady areas where moisture can accumulate and refreeze.
·Slow down.
·Watch out for black ice, which can be difficult to see, especially at night.
·Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
·Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
·Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
·Stay alert.
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.
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