A significant winter precipitation event is forecast to occur in Mississippi on Sunday as a cold front interacts with a developing low pressure system. Areas along Hwy. 82 in north-central Mississippi could see 4-8 inches of snow, while areas along the Interstate 20 corridor extending south to northern Jones County could see 1-4 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Areas along the Hwy. 84 corridor could see a trace amount to ¼” of sleet and freezing rain which would include the balance of Jones County. Bridges will freeze before roadways and roadways could become very slippery if ice, freezing rain and snow occur. Residents planning travel in Jones County should exercise extreme caution when driving as a result.
The potential exists for the winter weather to either be a cold rain event or a snow, sleet and freezing rain event for Jones County depending upon the track of the low pressure system and the degree to which the cold front extends southward. As a result, there is a large degree of uncertainty as to which type or types of winter weather precipitation, if any, will impact Jones County. In addition, temperatures during the period from Monday thru Thursday of next week are expected to be 10-15 degrees below normal. It is likely that Jones County will see low temperatures in the upper teens to low 20’s at night with daytime temperatures only reaching the upper 30’s to low 40’s. The National Weather Service is expected to issue a Winter Storm Watch later today which may include parts of the Pine Belt.
Residents are urged to pay attention to weather forecasts tonight and on Saturday for additional information and updates on predicted weather for the area. With the extended cold weather forecast, residents should take precautions to protect plants, pets and livestock. In addition, residents planning travel to areas north of Jones County are encouraged to check on highway conditions prior to traveling as roadways in north and central Mississippi will be impacted by the snow, sleet and freezing rain.
