West Tennessee on weather advisory amid incoming ice storm

Sarah Best
Jackson Sun

The National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning for most of West Tennessee, predicting temperatures two to three degrees colder through Wednesday with minimal change in projected precipitation of less than half an inch. Anticipated impacts include power outages, tree damage, and travel difficulties.

Regional map projects expected ice accumulation from Monday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Feb. 2 across West Tennessee.

NWS explained in the weather advisory that “present guidance indicates that sleet over these areas will total less than one-half inch” and that a chance remains Tuesday afternoon of temperatures warming to “just above freezing.” 

The city of Jackson also issued a Public Safety Announcement on Monday morning warning residents of the anticipated ice storm. 

The advisory detailed the Jackson Fire Department’s cautioning residents of the weather’s effect on trees and power lines and how to prepare for the possible loss of electrical power. 

Tips to deal with freezing weather

Tips included avoiding using a stove or oven to heat one’s home under any circumstance, ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order with fresh batteries, and being cautious of the three feet minimum distance from combustible materials that space heaters should be placed in proximity to. 

Residents are encouraged to contact the electrical company if a power line is down or hanging, to avoid physical contact with the lines, and to treat them as though they are still energized.

JFD noted its preparedness to respond to any emergency issue and that necessary precautions have been taken in order for residents to remain safe during the incoming extreme weather conditions. 

As dependent on road and weather conditions, Waste Management will commence commercial routes at 7 a.m. and residential customer routes at 8 a.m on Tuesday, Jan.30.