Winter Storm Preparations

Arctic air masses plunge south out of Canada into the United States several times each winter. Although these cold air masses tend to lose some strength as they move into the Southern United States. Mississippi does experience its share of cold weather. In an average winter, temperatures will fall below freezing 40 times. And in some winters the mercury may drop into the single digits on one or two of those mornings.

The winter months are usually wet across Mississippi. If a cold enough air mass is located over the state. Precipitation can fall in the form of snow, sleet, or freezing rain.

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there appears to be a threat of heavy snow or significant icing during the next 24 hours. It is important to know that while a watch does not mean that severe winter weather is a certainty, it does mean that a threat exists and preparations should begin for the winter event. A Severe Winter Storm could isolate your home, neighborhood, or town from the rest of the world for a day or two. Thus, an extra supply of non-perishable food should be kept on hand. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, as well as communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. Emergency heating equipment or dry wood for a fireplace should be available. But caution is advised with supplementary heating sources so as to avoid starting an accidental fire. Never use a gas range or oven for heat. Any unventilated fuel burning appliance may produce carbon monoxide gas.

If heavy snow or damaging ice accumulations are expected to occur within the next 12 hours. A Winter Storm Warning will be issued. Travel is not recommended during a Winter Storm. But if you must leave your home due to an emergency, dress warmly by wearing several layers of clothing. A hat is necessary to minimize heat loss from the body. If stranded, stay in your vehicle and keep it ventilated until help arrives. After the storm is over, avoid overexertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of deaths during and after Winter Storms. Freeing stranded vehicles or shoveling snow is hard work. Do not overdo it.