Listen to this articleThe City of Vicksburg and Warren County are bracing for the weather coming our way.
Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elver hosted a weather update meeting Thursday morning. In attendance were representatives from the Vicksburg Fire Department, Warren County Fire Service, Vicksburg-Warren School District, including Dr. Holloway, the Warren County Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff's Office including Sheriff Pace, and the City Safety Department. The National Weather Service in Jackson gave the latest update.
After updating the weather, Elfer and the assembled group made plans and exchanged relevant information.
The outlook is dire. Strong winds will hit the area starting at 4 a.m. Since the 10am briefing, the risk level has risen from slight to high for our area. The chance of high winds is more likely now than when the previous forecast was made. Fallen trees and power lines should be expected.
Temperatures are expected to drop below zero early Monday morning and remain there until Wednesday.
On Monday morning around 3 a.m., the temperature will drop below freezing and stay that way until sometime Wednesday, according to the latest forecast. If power lines are still down from Friday's storm, that means many people in the area may not have a way to keep warm when the Arctic air mass hits the area.
Sheriff Pace, Deputy Watkins, and Ernie Hall of the River City Rescue Mission traveled to homeless camps in the area to warn people of the coming storms. Additionally, the River City Rescue Mission is open to anyone in need of shelter.
Deputy Watkins, Ernie Hall, and Sheriff Pace enter a homeless camp. Photography by David Day
City and county road crews have the equipment to spread salt and sand if rain accompanies cold weather.
Area residents are urged to have 72-hour supplies in case a worst-case scenario occurs. One of the key things is to make sure you have ways to receive the information. The Vicksburg Daily News will provide ongoing updates on storm and area conditions.
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot obtain heat, food or shelter, we encourage you to call 911 or the non-emergency number, 601-631-8800.
See a typo? Report it here.
