Winter Weather Situation Report (SitRep)#2
Coahoma County, Mississippi
Prepared by: Coahoma County EMA
Issuing Office: National Weather Service (NWS) Memphis
Watch Status: Winter Storm Watch
Valid Period: Friday 12:00 PM through Sunday 6:00 PM
The National Weather Service Memphis is forecasting an impactful and potentially historic winter storm to affect the Mid-South, including Coahoma County, this weekend. The event is expected to include snow, sleet, and significant ice accumulation, accompanied by a prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills.
Significant disruptions to travel, utilities, and infrastructure are anticipated. Weather-related power outages are likely, especially in areas experiencing heavier ice accumulation.
- Wintry precipitation begins: Friday afternoon
- Primary impacts: Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon
- Temperatures: Below freezing for 72+ hours, persisting through at least mid-week
- Wind Chills: Sub-zero to single digits at times from Friday evening through Sunday
3. Accumulation Forecast (Regional)
North of TN/MS State Line
South of TN/MS State Line
4. Coahoma County Probabilistic Forecast
- 34% probability of greater than 3 inches of snow
- 73% probability of greater than 0.25 inches of ice
- 65% probability of greater than 0.50 inches of ice
Ice accumulation remains the greatest source of forecast uncertainty. Model guidance and probabilities continue to fluctuate as the event approaches.
- Friday Afternoon: Wintry precipitation begins; temperatures fall rapidly below freezing
- Friday Night – Sunday: Period of highest impacts from snow, sleet, ice, and extreme cold
- Sunday – Mid-Week: Lingering hazardous conditions due to ice, snowpack, and sustained sub-freezing temperatures
- 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
- 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
- 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
9. Potential Impacts & Confidence Levels
- Accumulating Snow/Ice Impacts:
- High Confidence (5/5) from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon
- Exact Precipitation Types & Amounts:
- Low to Medium Confidence (2/5)
- Bitter Cold Temperatures & Wind Chills:
This winter storm has the potential to cause widespread and long-lasting impacts across Coahoma County. 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.
