The Memphis National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory for the entire Mid-South that could bring ice and snow as far south as Coahoma County.
NWS issued an updated forecast at noon today saying most areas north of I-40 will be under the Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Storm Advisory in effect south of I-40 and that include Clarksdale and Coahoma County.
A Cold Weather Advisory will go into effect tonight at 9 p.m. through 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 and the forecast said Coahoma County can expect wintry precipitation early Wednesday morning.
It is the weather and whether this will be sleet turning to snow or the more dangerous rain turning to ice has not been predicted.
Winter Weather predictions for Coahoma County are:
• Exact Timing of Snow: Tonight, February 18, 2025, through 6 AM Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025.
• Snow Accumulation: Coahoma, Quitman, and Tallahatchie Counties are expected to receive 0.6 to 1 inch of snow accumulation.
• Temperature Trends: Cold temperatures will remain below freezing for 48-72 hours.
• Areas Most Likely Impacted by Ice: Coahoma County has a 42-percent probability of ice accumulations which remain unlikely; however, a light glaze (less than 0.25-inch) is possible.
• Gusty Winds: Occasional winds of 25 to 30 mph, especially along and west of the Mississippi River, are expected to continue today and tonight. Coahoma County has a 44% probability of experiencing sustained winds at 20 mph or higher.
The weather is expected to disrupt travel and daily activities Wednesday morning
Roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slick and hazardous. Drivers should plan for slippery conditions, drive slowly and anticipate more time to get to work Wednesday morning.
Hazardous conditions could last through the day and affect the Wednesday evening commute.
Driving in this type of weather can be tricky for Southerners and the National Weather Service advises all non-essential travel such as trips to the store or to shop should be postponed if possible.
If travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution and remain alert to sudden changes in visibility. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and plan for additional travel time.
Avoid abrupt braking or acceleration and use extra care on hills or while navigating turns. Ensure your vehicle is properly winterized and in good working condition before heading out.
The NWS said skies should clear by Thursday afternoon but freezing temperatures should last through Friday with a high of 36 forecast for around noon Friday and a high of 54 on Saturday.
The Coahoma County and City of Clarksdale Warming Center is now open to the public. The center is located at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, 506 E 2nd St, Clarksdale, MS 38614, and will remain open 24 hours a day while temperatures stay below freezing.
Registration or check-in for the warming center is required and will take place at the Central Fire Station, 221 Desoto Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614. Please take necessary precautions during this period of extreme cold.
The warming station is not a shelter and does not have the facilities to feed or house people for extended periods.
During the last extended cold snap in January the shelter provided warming services to five people.
The Coahoma County Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor the Severe Weather Probabilities and provide updates as needed.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant, monitor local weather updates, and take necessary precautions to stay safe,” said Coahoma County EMA Director Charles Hale. “As always, our priority is the safety and well-being of our community, and we will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves.”
