Officials: Brace for the Worst
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WATER VALLEY — Forecasters are advising residents to remain weather-aware late this week and into the weekend, as freezing temperatures could overlap with precipitation across North Mississippi.
Yalobusha County Emergency Management Director Stewart Spence said at press time that forecasts continue to evolve and that small temperature changes could significantly affect local conditions.
“Right now, confidence in exact impacts is limited,” Spence said. “A shift of just one or two degrees could make the difference between freezing rain, sleet or snow. What we do know is that we’re likely to get some type of frozen precipitation, and the threat of an ice storm with downed power lines is a possibility.”
Current forecasts suggest Friday night into Saturday is the most likely window for icy conditions, though Spence said the potential weather event could extend from Friday through Sunday.
Spence said his office will closely monitor road conditions and coordinate with county supervisors if hazardous areas develop.
“If we have slick bridges or trouble spots, I’ll notify supervisors so they can respond,” Spence said. “Some roads are always worse than others depending on shade, traffic and how the sun hits them.”
The Water Valley Police Department is also preparing for potentially hazardous conditions.
Police Chief Jason Mangrum said officers are ensuring patrol vehicles are ready and staffing plans are in place should roads become icy.
“If it gets bad enough, we’ll prioritize major calls,” Mangrum said. “Minor fender-benders or vehicles sliding into ditches without injuries may not get an immediate response.”
Mangrum cited the January 2024 ice storm as a reference, when roads remained hazardous for nearly a week and there were times officers responded on foot.
“If we have to walk to a call, we’ll get there one way or another,” he said.
The chief added that during previous winter weather events, officers have also assisted elderly residents and shut-ins with non-emergency needs when conditions allow.
“In past storms, we’ve helped people who couldn’t safely get out,” Mangrum said. “That’s included picking up groceries or medications for elderly residents or shut-ins when roads were too dangerous for them to travel.”
He said those requests are handled as staffing and road conditions permit, with emergency calls always taking priority.
“We can’t promise we’ll be able to help with everything,” Mangrum said. “But if someone needs help, we want them to call and let us know. We’ll do what we can.”
Responding to emergency calls in rural areas of the county can be even more difficult, and Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch urged motorists to stay off the roads if possible should an ice event occur.
“During the 2024 ice storm, there were days when first responders could not travel over 15 or 20 miles per hour,” Gooch said. “It got even worse when the sun thawed the top layer of ice during the day and it refroze at night.”
Fire Chief Mark McGavock said his biggest concern is the threat of freezing rain that could lead to extended power outages.
“We need to pray for the best and expect the worst,” McGavock said. “The worst could be an extended power outage, possibly a week or longer.”
McGavock said residents should prepare now by ensuring they have an ample supply of water.
“A five-gallon bucket of water equals about one case from the store,” he noted.
Preparation should also include plenty of food, along with a vehicle safety kit containing blankets, water and food for anyone who must travel.
McGavock reminded residents not to use generators indoors, including in garages, and not to cook on grills inside homes.
Even if power outages do not occur, frigid temperatures still present serious fire risks.
“We have responded to at least one house fire during each previous winter storm,” McGavock said. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire. This is a good time for people to test their smoke alarms and make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out quickly.”
At the top of McGavock’s safety list is proper use of space heaters.
“Make sure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet and not into an extension cord,” he said. “Keep everything clear around the heater.”
McGavock warned against drying clothes near heaters.
“I have seen fires started when people place wet clothes next to a heater to dry them,” he said. “They will catch on fire. Electric space heaters can be dangerous, and they should always be turned off when you leave the house.”
Mayor Tommy Reynolds reported that an emergency meeting is scheduled for Friday morning at 9 a.m. with all department heads to finalize planning.
Reynolds said the city is preparing for worst-case scenarios.
“We need to identify facilities that will be available for people who may not have power or heat, and for those who need medical assistance,” Reynolds said. “We will have a plan in place.”
