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Reporter Brian Livingston will be blogging live updates on winter storm related news. Follow this link for up-to-date information. Follow us on Facebook by clicking here. Follow us on Twitter by clicking here.

1:00 p.m.

John Baxter with the NWS here in Meridian said we should see approximately two more hours of snow before it finally moves off to the east. He said he expects snowfall totals to be around six inches here in Meridian, a little less or more depending where you live in Lauderdale County. Baxter did say the dangerous conditions are still going to be in place later this evening and throughout tonight in regards to the roads. The more traveled roads such as the interstate and Hwy. 45 will have stretches of patchy ice while lesser traveled roads will be covered with ice. Motorists are urged to not travel tonight unless it is an emergency.

Noon.

We really can’t say much more with words. We’re preparing for an early deadline for our carriers for safety reasons. Please enjoy the photos in the gallery to the right and participate in our Facebook conversations here.

9:45 a.m.

Officials with the Emergency Operations Center in Meridian said this is as good as it gets and that conditions will only worsen as the day progresses. Meridian Governmental Liaison Frank Dungan said the storm system that dumped a foot of snow in Dallas, Texas slowed down considerably as it crossed Louisiana late yesterday and last night causing it to reach Meridian several hours later than expected. Already Meridian has three inches of snow with at least another three inches still to come. John Baxter, NWS warning coordinator for East Mississippi said the temps now are hovering around the freezing mark and that they will begin to drop this afternoon. That in turn will cause bridges and overpasses and roadways to begin to ice over. MDOT crews can only keep interstates 59 and 20 and Hwy. 45 relatively clear. Baxter said tonight will be very dangerous with black ice conditions throughout Lauderdale County and Meridian. Motorists are strongly advised to stay home.

8:00 a.m.

The condition of bridges and overpasses is getting worse, officials say. Motorists are strongly urged to stay at home and not travel. Bridges in Meridian, especially crossing Sowashee Creek are getting bad. There are inches of snow, slush and ice on them now. Road crews are working to put sand on them but officials said motorists should stay at home.

7:30 a.m.

Patrol units with the MPD, LCSD and MHP are currently working several accidents, none seem to be serious. Traffic is moving good along I-20 but icy conditions are beginning to reported on bridges, overpasses, and ramps to and from the interstate. Secondary roads are also showing a buildup of snow, slush and ice.

 6:30 a.m.

David Sharp with LEMA said Meridian has gotten an inch and a half of snow so far and added he expects at least another two inches to come. He said at this time roads are passable but the road conditions will become more and more degraded as the snow continues to fall. Sharp said if residents don’t absolutely have to go to work, DON’T. The MHP has already asked LEMA to advise motorists to stay off Hwy. 11 South as they have been busy there with accidents and worsening road conditions.

5:45 a.m.

Well, there’s plenty of snow to go around here in East Mississippi. Most are waking up to a few inches on the ground as snow continues to fall. Light snow is expected to continue this morning.

We continue to get reports of more local schools being closed, including Lauderdale County Schools. Here’s a safe bet: most local schools will be closed today. But, check back to meridianstar.com/closings as those are updated and confirmed.

Meanwhile, we’re working on posting photos and morning reports. Send any snow pictures to editor@themeridianstar.com.

 12:30 a.m.

That’s all for tonight. We’ll begin blogging again in the morning after the sun rises. Stay tuned. For reader-generated content and any breaking news, visit our Facebook page (link above).

12:08 a.m.

We’re getting snow reports from all over East Mississippi on our Facebook page. I’ll share them below. We’re also working on getting a few photos.

From Facebook:

The Meridian Star And so it begins. Light snow is beginning to fall in downtown Meridian.

21 minutes ago · Comment · Like

4 people like this.

The Meridian Star Newton, Chunky, other areas to our west reporting heavier snow. Also, light snow in Collinsville.

20 minutes ago ·

Wanda Snowden Locklear It is at Pine Springs too. YEAH….

19 minutes ago ·  · Report

Grace Talbert Alexander i see ice here..

17 minutes ago ·  · Report

Jeff Martin Comin down pretty good up here around Arkadelphia

17 minutes ago ·  · Report

Lori Bielefeld Sleet here in Clarkdale area.

16 minutes ago ·  · Report

Ryan Filkins its comin down nicely out here by NAS

14 minutes ago ·  · Report

Morgan Renee Hucks no snow in lauderdale yet

13 minutes ago ·  · Report

Lisa Greer Russell is getting light snow mixed with sleet

12 minutes ago ·  · Report

Nancy Worley Ziller i’m still waiting…

8 minutes ago ·  · Report

Al Davis Snowing in Martin. Lightly covering the cars. 😉

7 minutes ago ·  · Report

The Meridian Star Also, be sure and post any pictures that you have to this page and we’ll use them in our online edition and possibly in Saturday’s print edition.

7 minutes ago ·

Duane Chrissy White It is coming down in Bailey.

6 minutes ago ·  · Report

Ashley Richardson Salter Its snowing in kemper:)

4 minutes ago ·  · Report

Kimberly Brown Sleet-y snow by Marion!!!

3 minutes ago ·  · Report

Michelle Ramsey Now i wish i was home to enjoy the snow!

2 minutes ago ·  · Report

Michael N Angela Hemrick Snowing nicely here on 45! Can’t wait tosee how it goes!

2 minutes ago ·  · Report

Al Davis It’s sticking good too! Already covering the cars and deck. Has some sleet mixed in it.

11:44 p.m.

The snow has officially begun falling in Meridian. Radar is showing the heavy stuff is just to our west. Heavier snowfall is being reported in Chunky.

11 p.m.

Snow is approaching East Mississippi at this hour. A large wall of moisture — packing sleet and snow — is about 50 miles west of Meridian. The wall is expected to reach Meridian in about an hour. Forecasters are still calling for 4-6 inches in Meridian with a possibility of 9 or more inches in some locations. We’ll try to post updates as we get them. We will start blogging live at 7 a.m.

 5:10 p.m.

John Baxter, with the National Weather Service in Meridian, said the storm system has intensified and meteorologists are expecting four to eight inches of snow to fall beginning late tonight and throughout Friday morning. Baxter said this snow will be heavy in weight and density which may also cause power outages from falling limbs, trees and power lines. He said Lauderdale County residents should begin to see flurries after 10 p.m. with the heaviest snow coming after midnight.

This is the last post we’ll have for at least a few hours. We’ll start back after the weather arrives. Until then, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

4:21 p.m.

Mississippi Power has issued an update on how they are preparing for the storm and possible outages: 

GULFPORT – Mississippi Power is watching and preparing for a winter storm that weather forecasters predict will blanket the company’s 23-county service territory – from the Gulf Coast north to Meridian. Line crews, tree trimmers and other storm restoration personnel are preparing and positioning for the approaching system.

 

Mississippi Power has been monitoring the development of this winter storm for three days. The company has taken all of the necessary steps to be ready for sleet, snow or ice.

 

“We expect to activate our Storm Center tomorrow morning,” said David Simmons, storm center director.  “That is really a formality because we have been talking with one another and preparing for this storm since Tuesday.  We are ready and now just need to see what Mother Nature delivers and where.”

 

Much like other weather events that we’re accustomed to, a strong winter storm can cause widespread power outages. While the company’s electrical system uses a variety of devices to try to minimize the number of outages, when necessary, restoration teams always work hard to make power outages as brief as possible.

 

Safety is the company’s number one priority when restoring power after any storm and especially in winter conditions.  Likewise, customers should be aware of what to do if they see downed power lines. Safety tips and tips on how to survive a winter storm are attached.

 

Customers should report power outages at their homes or businesses by calling the Mississippi Power Customer Service Center at 1-800-487-3275.  Customers can also report power outages and get safety tips online at www.mississippipower.com.

 

 2:20 p.m.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said up to nine inches of wet, heavy snow could fall in Lauderdale County in the next 24 to 36 hours. Local officials said the chances for local power outages is looking more likely and residents are asked to prepare for any sort of power interruptions. Snow will begin tonight and continue through Friday morning.

12:30 p.m.

Officials with the City of Meridian and Lauderdale County are gathering at the Emergency Operations Center in Meridian preparing to receive the latest developments on the approaching storm system that is expected to drop three to six inches of snow beginning tonight.