Historic Winter Storm Uri To Bring Crippling Conditions to Smith County

TAYLORSVILLE, MS - A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Smith County until 6:00AM on Tuesday as Winter Storm Uri is expected to bring a once-in-25-year ice storm to the area. Heavy mixed wintry precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to 6 inches and ice accumulations of one quarter to one half of an inch are possible. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. 

On top of the significant icing event tomorrow, a surge of dangerously cold arctic air is expected to reach the area late tonight and linger through Wednesday. This will be a long duration event with very cold conditions and dangerous wind chill readings as low as several degrees below zero with the coldest temperatures expected Tuesday morning. This will prohibit any ice on roadways from melting, and what may melt will quickly refreeze.

We are ready to respond if accumulation of ice causes disruptions of public services. Prepare for several days without power. 

- Stock up on water, food, and firewood.
- Get fuel for generators and make a plan to use them safely.
- Protect your pets, plants and pipes.
- Check on your elderly, family and neighbors.
- Have a heat source.
- Stay off roads, black ice is deadly and very dangerous.

County crews in Beat 1 and Beat 4 have already begun applying slag to bridges along county roads. Slag is a loose gravel material that helps promote traction. MDOT has been working around the clock monitoring the state highway system and applying salt brine and slag where needed. 

No amount of slag or salt brine will prevent a roadway from icing. The safest way to avoid a accident during winter conditions is to stay at home. If you must travel, drive extremely slow, and allow plenty of extra time to brake.

If you lose power and need warmth, all of our county fire departments have been working alongside the Smith County Emergency Management Agency to open their stations for residents to come in and warm up. These stations will ONLY be opened if power is lost. In addition, Taylorsville Mayor Kellie Phipps has announced that if the Taylorsville Fire Station becomes overcrowded, additional space will be available at the National Guard Armory.

We encourage everyone to stay home and stay warm.