JACKSON – Another round of winter weather is expected to impact portions of north Mississippi starting Tuesday evening, bringing snow and sub-freezing temperatures to the Magnolia State. Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews are closely monitoring weather reports and are ready to respond as the winter weather moves in. Motorists should remain cautious, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Maintenance crews began pre-treatment operations Monday, spreading a salt brine solution on the roadways to reduce the freezing point for any falling precipitation. 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.
One to three inches of snow is forecast for the northernmost counties. Moderate travel impacts are expected. Motorists are advised to check local weather reports and the MDOT Traffic mobile app or MDOTtraffic.com for the most up-to-date information. Avoid areas where icy conditions have been reported.
In the northern districts, crews treated roads in DeSoto, Marshall, Benton, Tate, Tunica, Tippah, Alcorn, Tishomingo and Prentiss counties. These crews have stocked up on materials, gassed up trucks and are prepared to address conditions that arise.
MDOT has snow plows and sand trucks loaded and ready to deploy during the storm. Sand and slag can also be spread to help improve traction in slushy conditions. Manpower and equipment are being deployed to areas where the highest winter weather impacts are expected.
To assist the traveling public in preparing for potential winter weather conditions, MDOT 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.
» Wach 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 (formerly Twitter).
