Winter storm warning issued for Meridian, most of Mississippi
Published 5:30 am Monday, January 28, 2019
- Monday-Tuesday forecast for Mississippi
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Lauderdale County and surrounding counties from midnight Monday to noon Tuesday.
A strong cold front will combine with a weather disturbance to bring wintry precipitation to the region Monday night into Tuesday morning, the warning states. There is increasing confidence that accumulating snowfall will occur as temperatures fall rapidly behind the cold front. With temperatures falling below freezing, icing of roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will be a concern throughout the morning hours.
Among the early cancellations are Neshoba County School District and Russell Christian School, which will not have classes on Tuesday.
All Quitman School District Schools will be on a two-hour delay.
NAS Meridian will delay start time for non-essential personnel until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Tenant command and contractors should contact their supervisor for instructions.
East Central Community College and MSU-Meridian will close Tuesday. The performance of Ballet Hispanico scheduled for 7:30 at the MSU-Riley Center will be held.
In addition, strong wind will combine with the low temperatures to make for very low wind chill readings, according to the warning.
The warning area includes Clay, Lowndes, Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Holmes, Attala, Winston, Noxubee, Yazoo, Madison, Leake, Neshoba, Kemper, Warren, Hinds, Rankin, Scott, Newton and Lauderdale counties.
Accumulations of 2 inches and wind chills in the teens are expected.
A steep drop in temperature and the likelihood of snow Monday night into Tuesday is predicted for much of Mississippi, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service in Jackson.
The forecast for Meridian Monday night calls for rain showers after 9 p.m., mixing with snow after 3 a.m. The low will be around 29. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent.
There is a 50 percent chance of snow before 9 a.m. Tuesday. Gradual clearing is expected during the day, with a high near 37.
The National Weather Service recommends extra precautions to protect outdoor pets and any exposed plumbing.
