JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) advised against travel south of the U.S. 84 corridor Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. Officials said black ice is expected to become widespread on roads and bridges as temperatures plunge overnight.
Crews have been working to plow and treat affected roadways in southern counties on Tuesday. However, the low temperatures overnight will refreeze treated bridges and render de-icing agents ineffective.
As of 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, ice is being reported on bridges and overpasses in 21 counties. MDOT will closely monitor highways and bridges as winter weather moves across parts of the state this evening. Significant icing is expected south of the U.S. 84 corridor. Travel is not recommended at this time in the impacted counties.
On Wednesday, crews will continue to treat and clear roadways. Crews from the northern districts are assisting in road clearing efforts. To assist maintenance crews in the southern portion of the state, 24 snowplows and 75 maintenance crew members from north Mississippi were deployed.
Plowing operations occurred Tuesday on I-10, I-110, I-49 and I-59 as well as other state-maintained highways such as U.S. 90 and State Route 67. Salt, sand and slag has been placed on bridges.
The State Route 609 bridge in Jackson County, the I-110 bridge and U.S. 90 Biloxi Bay Bridge in Harrison County remain closed due to icy conditions. Crews will continue to work to minimize travel impacts.
“This is a very dangerous winter storm,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “For your safety and loved ones, it’s best not to put lives at risk and just stay at home.”
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Snow on Mississippi beach on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snow on Biloxi boardwalk on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snow at Biloxi Lighthouse on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snow on U.S. 49 in Hattiesburg on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snowman on Mississippi bridge on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snow on U.S. 90 in Mississippi on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT) -
Snow on U.S. 90 in Mississippi on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Courtesy: MDOT)
MDOT recommends emergency travel only in impacted counties. For emergency travel, the agency offers these safe driving tips:
- Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road
- Remain cautious in areas with overhanging trees and other shady areas where moisture can accumulate and refreeze.
- Slow down.
- Watch out for black ice, which can be difficult to see, especially at night.
- Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
- Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
- Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Stay alert.