City of Clarksdale and Coahoma County officials are preparing for a winter storm this weekend and taking steps to help keep residents warm.
A video was posted on the City of Clarksdale’s Facebook page giving residents direction.
“Winter weather is headed to Clarksdale this weekend,” said Chris Coleman, assistant to Clarksdale Mayor Orlando W. Paden. “The National Weather Service is predicting significant precipitation and dangerously cold temperatures. In preparation, Mayor Orlando W. Paden met with leadership from the Clarksdale police department, fire department and public works to prepare the city for this weekend’s arctic event.”
Coleman provided five specific tips.
1. Residents who rely on electricity for medical needs including oxygen, ventilators, dialysis equipment, power wheelchairs or refrigerated medications such as insulin should contact their local electric provider. They should also contact their physician requesting a letter documenting medical conditions so their home can be identified as a priority during power outages.
2. Police Chief Vince Ramirez announced there will be direct dispatch service. During the storms, citizens may call the police department directly at (662) 621-8151 or (662) 621-8152 for a faster response.
3. The police and fire departments are providing transportation for essential workers and elderly residents or when conditions require it for 24 hours during the winter storms. Those in need may contact the police department at (662) 621-8151.
4. The Clarksdale Civic Auditorium has been designated as the city’s warming station for residents without shelter. Those in need report may report to the main Clarksdale Fire Station.
5. Anyone wishing to donate winter essentials may call Fire Chief Charles Lane at (662) 902-7450. Cash will not be accepted.
Clarksdale Fire Department safety tips are available at https://tinyurl.com/ythjtsuk
Charles Hale, Coahoma County Emergency Management Agency Director, spoke in front of the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday. He mentioned there were different weather reports, but there was one common denominator.
“The one thing that’s consistent is Coahoma County is going to be in the ice range,” Hale said.
Hale provided information in an email to community leaders.
What We Know
•An impactful winter storm is forecast to begin Friday afternoon
•Hazardous travel conditions are expected due to snow, sleet, and ice-covered roadways
•Temperatures will remain below freezing through at least mid-week
•Wind chills will drop into the sub-zero to single digits
•Power outages are expected, especially in ice-impacted areas
•Sub-freezing temperatures may cause burst pipes, frostbite, and hypothermia
What We Don’t Know
•Exact location of the transition from snow/sleet to freezing rain
•Final precipitation type distribution across the county
•Precise snow, sleet, and ice accumulation totals
What You Can Do Now
•Prepare for hazardous travel beginning as early as midday Friday
•Avoid travel if possible; use extreme caution if travel is necessary
•Continue to monitor the latest weather forecasts and official updates
•Prepare homes and facilities for extended freezing temperatures
•Check emergency supplies and heating sources
•Plan for possible power outages
Hale provided a key message in his email.
“This winter storm has the potential to cause widespread and long-lasting impacts across Coahoma County,” said Hale in his email. “Residents, businesses, and response agencies are urged to prepare now for hazardous travel conditions, prolonged periods of extreme cold, and potential power disruptions.
“To ensure coordinated readiness, a Winter Weather Preparedness & Coordination Meeting was held today at Clarksdale City Hall to assess countywide preparedness, resource availability, and interagency response plans. Local, county, and partner agencies are actively working together to maintain public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure a timely response to emergencies throughout the duration of this event.
“The safety of Coahoma County citizens remains the top priority. Emergency management officials will continue to monitor conditions, provide timely updates, and respond to emergency needs as conditions evolve.”
