BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County residents were greeted with a cold mist, blistering wind and frigid temperatures Wednesday. The temperature continues to drop into the evening as the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory. 

Under the cold weather advisory, wind chills could drop as low as 3 degrees in portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. The cold weather advisory is in effect from Wednesday to noon Friday. 

According to the advisory, very cold temperatures and low wind chills could lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Residents are advised to use caution while traveling outside, be sure to layer appropriate clothing, use gloves and a hat to retain body heat and ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Outdoor animals should have a warm, dry shelter with access to food and unfrozen water. 

As of 2:50 p.m., the temperature was 33 degrees with a wind chill of 23 degrees. Sustained wind speeds were out of the north at 18 mph with gusts reaching 28 mph. 

Again, the same dangerous cold temperatures and wind chill are forecast to continue through Friday. Unlike parts of Arkansas which saw heavy snowfall, there is no risk of wintry precipitation in the forecast for southwest Mississippi. 

Check back for more weather updates.