Gov. Tate Reeves declared a State of Emergency on Thursday ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring ice, freezing rain and snow across much of north Mississippi, including conditions forecasters say could be historic for Grenada County.
The declaration, which will last at least through Tuesday, Jan. 27, allows the state to mobilize additional resources as the storm bears down on the region this weekend.
“The State of Mississippi has deployed generators, pallets of water, roof tarps, blankets, pillows and cots to counties that have requested them,” Gov. Reeves said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “Warming shelters are also being opened by counties.”
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Grenada County remained under an Ice Storm Warning Friday, with the National Weather Service predicting up to ¾ of an inch of ice accumulation – enough to cause major power outages, downed trees and dangerous travel. Emergency management officials warned residents to stay off roads once the freezing rain begins and to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.
“Historic impacts are on the table with this event,” Grenada Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Whitehurst said. “We’re asking everyone to treat this seriously, check on neighbors and make plans now for warmth and safety.”
Gov. Reeves added that state coordinators remain in contact with county emergency management offices and utility providers, who are bracing for the possibility of significant ice buildup on power lines and tree branches.
“Based on current forecasts, ice is expected to accumulate on and impact power lines,” Gov. Reeves said. “Utility providers are working diligently to prepare for potential power outages. Should outages occur, they will work to restore power as quickly as possible.”
The Mississippi Department of Transportation began pretreating highways Thursday, but cautioned that travel could become treacherous by Friday night.
“Should the forecast hold – if possible – please stay off the roads,” Gov. Reeves said. “Road conditions could still be dangerous.”
City of Grenada officials said its Warming Center is currently open in the Grenada City Auditorium, located at 17 N. Main St. Mayor Charles Latham confirmed Friday afternoon that the Warming Center will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice.
“Until we get past these extreme cold temperatures, we are going to keep our shelter open,” Mayor Latham said.
Residents are urged to monitor updates from local authorities, stock emergency supplies and avoid travel once temperatures drop below freezing.
The Star will continue to post weather updates and alerts as new information is made available.
