Winter Weather Update

WINTER STORM WARNING IN PLACE FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 21; COLDEST 
TEMPERATURES OF SEASON ANTICIPATED IN WAYNE COUNTY

A significant winter storm is forecast to impact Wayne County and much 
of Southeast Mississippi and Southwest Alabama beginning Tuesday morning 
with a high probability of accumulating wintry precipitation. This 
weather event has the potential to create moderate to major impacts 
locally -- primarily with hazardous road conditions combined with 
brutally cold air temperatures and wind chill values.

The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Ala., has issued a WINTER 
STORM WARNING for Wayne County from 6 a.m., Tuesday, January 21 through 
6 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Accumulating snow is expected and 
could be heavy at times with winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour reducing 
visibility to a mile or less.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, are expected to quickly 
become slick and hazardous once the snow begins to fall. All but 
essential or emergency travel is discouraged during and after the winter 
storm.

The timing of snow accumulations is anticipated between 6 a.m. and 6 
p.m., with the heaviest snowfall anticipated between noon and 3 p.m. 
Snow amount predictions stand between one and three inches along and 
immediately south of the U.S. Highway 84 corridor, although some bands 
of up to 5 inches of snow cannot be ruled out.

Forecasters say some limited amounts of sleet are possible and there is 
presently a zero percent chance of freezing rain in Wayne County.

Areas of southernmost Wayne County toward the coast could see, on 
average, between two to four inches of snow along with sleet and 
freezing rain. 

In addition, the National Weather Service has issued an EXTREME COLD 
WATCH effective the evening hours of Monday, January 20 through the 
morning hours of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Dangerously cold wind 
chills as low as 5 to 10 degrees above zero are forecast for Southeast 
Mississippi, including Wayne County. 

Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if unprotected skin is exposed to 
these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures can also 
cause ruptured water pipes.

Remember to dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if 
you must go outside.

To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to 
drip slowly.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Wayne County has established an emergency warming shelter at the 
Sheriff's Department Courtroom at 613 Court Street in Waynesboro. No 
food or supplies will be available at the shelter and individuals 
seeking a warm place to stay should bring their own food, water and 
consumables as well as all necessary medication(s).

The Wayne County Board of Supervisors have announced the courthouse and 
all county offices will be closed on Tuesday due to inclement weather. A 
decision on Wednesday's courthouse and county office hours will be 
announced late Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to begin rising above freezing on Thursday, 
January 23 with the high forecasted to reach 46 degrees.