JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Leaders with the City of Jackson said they want residents to be prepared for the upcoming freezing temperatures. The temperatures are expected to be below freezing early next week.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba asked neighbors to be safe during the extreme cold.

On Monday, January 11, the city will open a shelter at Sheppard’s Gym, located at 1355 Hattiesburg Street. The shelter will open at 11:00 a.m. There will be a limited number of sleeping cots at this location. Food will be available.

If there is a need for more shelters, the alternative locations will be the Jackson Police Training Academy and Sykes Gym.

City leaders cautioned residents to stay home, if possible, in the event of wintry precipitation. Unlike northern cities in the state, Jackson is not equipped to deal with widespread freezing precipitation. These conditions can lead to a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain, which makes traveling on Jackson roadways dangerous.

As of Friday, January 12, the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting dangerous cold in the Jackson metro area, with temperature lows of 10 to 15 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

The extreme cold could lead to frostbite/hypothermia under prolonged exposure and damage to exposed pipes. Here are some tips from the City of Jackson:

The Jackson Police Department (JPD) is implementing a security plan. They’re planning for 12-hour shifts to accommodate residents during this extreme weather. 

Leaders with the city’s Constituent Services Department said the action line will be available to neighbors in need. The number is 601-960-1111.