…Impacts from recent winter weather continue to create hazardous conditions across the entire Mid-South region. Although precipitation has ended, the danger has not passed… HAZARDOUS ROADWAYS AND BLACK ICE: Roads across the region remain covered in snow, sleet, and solid ice. Travel on secondary roads is virtually impossible in many locations. Even where main thoroughfares have been treated, motorists should exercise extreme caution. Any slush or partial melting that occurred during the day will rapidly refreeze as temperatures drop after sunset. This will result in the formation of widespread "black ice"-a transparent coating of ice that is nearly invisible to drivers but extremely slippery. PLEASE AVOID ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. If you must drive, keep a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. EXTREME COLD AND POWER OUTAGES: Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing for the foreseeable future. With power outages reported in several counties, staying warm safely is a priority. RECOMMENDED SAFETY ACTIONS: – –HEAT SAFETY:– If your power is out, NEVER use gas grills, charcoal grills, or camping stoves indoors. These produce deadly Carbon Monoxide gas which you cannot smell or see. Generators should be operated outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors. – –CONSERVE HEAT:– Keep doors and windows closed. Close curtains and blinds to trap heat inside. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Close off unused rooms to avoid wasting heat. – –LAYER CLOTHING:– Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers rather than a single heavy layer. Wear a hat and mittens to prevent body heat loss. – –CHECK YOUR PIPES:– In homes without heat, open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing. – –LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS:– Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family to ensure they are safe and warm, especially if they live alone or have lost power.

Post expires at 8:06pm on Monday January 26th, 2026