The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues operations to keep roads open and traffic moving in the wake of Winter Storm Fern. Due to the current winter weather conditions, MDOT strongly advises emergency travel only. Ice is still being reported on roads, bridges and overpasses in 37 counties. Counties currently experiencing ice include Adams, Alcorn, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, DeSoto, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Warren, Washington, Yalobusha and Yazoo.
Crews in north Mississippi worked throughout the night, plowing and salting roadways. Operations were also underway clearing trees from the road that fell under the weight of the ice. Due to the dangerous conditions of trees falling at a high rate, along with powerlines blocking roadways, many crews had to stop work overnight for safety concerns. Crews returned to work this morning to resume work where it is safe to do so.
In District 3, which is made up of Delta counties, crews worked throughout the night, treating roadways and clearing a large number of fallen trees. Due to downed powerlines and poles, a large number of residents are experiencing power outages, including the MDOT maintenance headquarters, hampering our recovery efforts. Crews continue to treat roadways where their safety is not threatened.
Overnight, crews in central Mississippi spread salt on all bridges in the Jackson metro area, including I-55 north and south, the stack and I-20 from east Brandon to the Warren County line. Sunday morning, crews used plows to remove slush off I-55 north of Jackson to Winona. Pretreatment efforts have proven effective in limiting ice accumulation on the roadways. Crews are monitoring the road conditions and treating any problem areas.
In southwest Mississippi, operations began this morning, treating icing on bridges and other trouble spots, including the Mississippi River Bridge in Natchez. Crews placed salt and slag on bridges on all major routes, including I-55, U.S. 61 and U.S. 84. Monitoring weather conditions and the impact on roads continues, and crews are ready to respond where needed.
"The safety of our crews working in dangerous conditions is always a concern during these extreme weather events," said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. "Because they run the risk of having tree branches and powerlines fall on them, we will continue work where it’s safe. For your safety, we continue to strongly discourage travel unless it’s an emergency."
MDOT recommends emergency travel only in impacted counties. For emergency travel, the agency 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.
·Watch 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.
