MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An Ice Storm Warning and Winter Storm Advisory were issued for parts of east Arkansas, west Tennessee, and north Mississippi on Wednesday.
The Ice Storm Warning is active for all Arkansas counties in the WREG viewing area as well as much of west Tennessee and Desoto County, Tunica County and Coahoma County in Mississippi. It is in effect until noon Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, signficant icing is expected with this system. Power outages and tree damage is also highly likely.
The Winter Storm Watch is active for those counties not under the Ice Storm Warning. It is active through Thursday morning. Icing is also possible.
Ice has already begun to accumulate in eastern Arkansas as of Wednesday morning and the worst is forecast for the Mid-South over the next 24 hours.
MLGW is preparing for the liklihood of power outages.
Forecasters say freezing rain could lead to ice accumulation of up to one-half inch. The weather service says power outages and tree damage are possible and travel will likely be difficult and hazardous.
High temperatures will struggle to get above freezing on Friday and continue to fall throughout the weekend. The overnight lows are expected to range from 13 degrees on Saturday to 16 degrees by Monday. Wind chills may drop into the single digits this weekend.
The city of Memphis said its crews were on standby to respond to road conditions. According to city leaders:
“City crews’ primary focus during wintry conditions is to first treat major streets with inclines/declines, as well as any bridges and overpasses. Secondly, crews will treat the remaining major streets on an as-needed basis. Emergency service providers like hospitals, police precincts and fire stations will also receive special consideration during inclement weather.”
