Lord Protector Tate Reeves issued the following statement.
Governor Tate Reeves today announced he issued a State of Emergency in advance of the severe winter weather that is expected to impact Mississippi starting Friday. He also issued the following statement:
"I have declared a State of Emergency in advance of the severe winter weather that is expected to impact Mississippi starting Friday. The State of Emergency will be in effect through at least January 27. Doing so will allow us to further mobilize state assets and better support response efforts in counties affected by the impending storm.
"The state of Mississippi has deployed generators, pallets of water, roof tarps, blankets, pillows, and cots to counties that have requested them. Warming shelters are also being opened by counties.
"State Area Coordinators are in constant contact with local emergency managers statewide and are assisting them in identifying any gaps in local plans. Coordinators will continue to work with local emergency managers to coordinate any resources they need before the onset of cold weather on Friday.
"The state of Mississippi is also in close contact with utility providers throughout the state. Based on current forecasts, ice is expected to accumulate on and impact power lines. This ice accumulation, as well as downed trees, could cause power outages. Mississippians should prepare for power outages in advance of the storm. Utility providers are working diligently to prepare for potential power outages. Should power outages occur, they will work to restore power as quickly as possible.
"Please continue to monitor the forecast. At this time, freezing temperatures, freezing rain, sleet and snow are still expected. Should the forecast hold, if possible, please stay off of the roads. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is already preparing highways, but road conditions could still be dangerous."
For more information on the storm and latest list of warming shelters around the state, please visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's website:
https://www.msema.org/get-
MDOT Statement
On Thursday, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) began operations to treat roadways in Mississippi ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which will move into the state starting Friday. The National Weather Service is forecasting significant to extreme icing to occur across the northern portion of the state, impacting travel. In addition, dangerous cold temperatures will remain for several days limiting the ability for the ice to melt.
To limit icing on roadways and bridges, salt brine has been sprayed on interstates and highways in 27 counties across north Mississippi, including parts of the Mississippi Delta. 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.
MDOT has stockpiled materials to treat the roads at their maintenance shop locations around the state. Crews have loaded dump trucks with sand and slag to respond to icy areas during the storm. There are 135 snowplows and 64 motor graders staged and ready for use to clear ice and snow off roadways during and after the winter weather event. Trucks have been loaded up with chainsaws to respond to clear trees that fall in the roadway under the weight of the ice.
MDOT maintenance crews who are already out treating the roads are trained and prepared to work around the clock, throughout the duration of the storm. Our road maintenance first responders play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our roadways during winter weather events. Their shifts often include long hours, away from their families.
“I am very thankful for our MDOT team,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “When weather is at its worst, they are at their best. Please give our crews space as they work to keep our roadways open. And please be aware, despite our best efforts, the extreme nature of the storm could still result in road closures and the need for the public to avoid travel entirely.”
1 comment:
Maybe in two weeks, when the city has had uninterrupted water and sewer service, the leadership of Jackson will send Ted Henifin a thank-you note and a fruit basket.
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