Jackson Free Press

 
PEARL--The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wants residents to prepare for the possibility of winter weather Thursday and Friday.  The National Weather Service predicts rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow are all possible as temperatures throughout much of the state hover near or just below freezing.
 

The forecast calls for a storm system to bring in light snow and sleet to the delta and some freezing rain and sleet along the Natchez Trace.  Rain, mixed with sleet and even some freezing rain is possible in the southern third of the state.  Most of the wintry precipitation is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday.
 
"Our biggest concern is that some icing will occur on Mississippi roads, power lines and trees," said MEMA Director Mike Womack.  "This means we could experience some dangerous driving conditions along with power outages.  I hope everybody takes time to make sure their disaster supply kit is fully stocked in case they do lose power for an extended period of time."
 
If power is out for an extended period of time residents are urged to use extreme caution when using an alternate heating source.  Ensure that your heater is approved for indoor use and never use an outdoor heating source like a grill indoors.  Also be sure to keep space heaters away from blankets or drapes and in a well ventilated area.
 
Residents should monitor local forecasts for updates as the weather moves through the state.
 
MEMA will provide emergency information as soon as it becomes necessary. Follow updates on our website, http://www.msema.org, and on Facebook and Twitter using MSEMA.