January Winter Weather Update #4

Pearl, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency continues to work with county and state partners as the state braces for another round of dangerous cold weather.

One additional weather-related death has been reported to MEMA in Rankin County. This brings the state’s total death toll to five since January 14th due to winter weather. MEMA previously reported four other deaths in Chickasaw, Humphreys, and Sharkey counties.

More dangerous cold is expected to impact the entire state of Mississippi beginning Friday night into Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. Everyone is asked to limit their time outdoors due to the risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Continue to keep pipes protected and faucets dripping to prevent pipes from bursting.

Signs and Symptoms of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Fumbling Hands
  • Memory loss or slurred speech
  • Bright red, cold skin

Residents who need to warm up may seek shelter at a county or city-run warming center in your area. The full list of those shelters and safe rooms is here.

For more information on road conditions, go to MDOTtraffic | Powered by MDOT 

MEMA has many resources to help residents prepare for a storm, including the new MEMA app. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store free of charge. On the app, users can find checklists, shelter information, and customizable weather alerts tailored to each user.

###