The National Weather Service Jackson has issued a winter storm watch for portions of northeast Louisiana and Mississippi, with the alert remaining in effect from late Friday night through Sunday evening.
The watch includes Madison, Franklin, Catahoula, and Tensas parishes in Louisiana, along with multiple counties in central, east central, northeast, southwest, and west central Mississippi.
Forecasters said heavy mixed precipitation is possible, with ice accumulation expected to create impacts across the region. Officials said roads, including bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slick. Power outages and tree damage are possible due to ice accumulation, according to the weather service.
The affected area includes the cities of Tallulah, St. Joseph, Winnsboro, Waterproof, Newellton, Jonesville, Harrisonburg, and other communities in northeast Louisiana, as well as Jackson, Madison, Brandon, Vicksburg, Starkville, Columbus, Canton, Ridgeland, Pearl, Kosciusko, Louisville, Carthage, Port Gibson, and surrounding areas in Mississippi.
The weather service said travel could become impossible during the event and advised residents to consider delaying travel. Officials said those who must travel should exercise caution and consider carrying a winter storm kit that includes tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, water, and first aid supplies.
The winter storm watch is scheduled to begin late Friday night and continue through Sunday evening. Governor Jeff Landry has issued a state of emergency in prepration for the winter storm.
