Crews in Mississippi mobilized Friday evening ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which brought significant freezing rain overnight, officials said.
Pre-treating began around 6 p.m., with road crews applying brine to bridge decks, roads, fire stations, police facilities, and city hall. Treatments also covered routes to North Mississippi Medical Center’s main and women’s hospitals from U.S. 45 and Gloster Street, according to city officials.
Light sleet and freezing rain fell across the city from 10:30 p.m. until nearly 2 a.m., when conditions intensified to heavy freezing rain citywide. Currently, roads and bridges are wet, with bridge deck temperatures at 30 degrees and pavement at 32 degrees, officials said.
Authorities expressed concern about ice accumulating on trees and the potential weakening of pretreat brine due to ongoing freezing rain. Crews have returned to the office and will continue monitoring conditions as the storm persists.
