Jackson Free Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A cold front is expected to bring freezing rain to north Mississippi late Thursday and into Friday with accumulations of one quarter of an inch or more in places.

Alan Gerard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson, the heaviest accumulation is expected north of Cleveland, with lighter amounts further south in the Delta.

Travel could be impacted as far south as Greenville by late Friday afternoon.

There could be light icing on bridges and overpasses as far south as Yazoo City by Friday night, but the precipitation is expected to be ending by then, Gerard said.

More rain could develop Saturday afternoon and bring more ice to north Mississippi.

Central Mississippi could see heavy rain, but it's not expected to freeze.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urged residents to prepare, saying that forecasters are predicting rain, freezing rain, sleet and ice accumulation.

The weather service issued an ice storm warning for Desoto and Tunica counties, forecasting up to one half inch of ice from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday.

A winter storm watch has been issued for Bolivar, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Sharkey, Sunflower and Washington counties, with the possibility of ice accumulation up to one quarter inch. The state could see several waves of winter weather over the next five days.

"Our main concern is vulnerable citizens, and that icing will occur on roads, power lines and trees," said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. "This means we could experience some dangerous driving conditions along with power outages. I encourage everyone to take time to check on at-risk family, friends and neighbors, especially those with home health needs. As always, remember to make sure your disaster supply kit is fully stocked in case of a loss of power for an extended period of time."