BROOKHAVEN — As freezing cold temperatures settle in, a warming shelter will open Sunday afternoon in Brookhaven. Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid announced the news Sunday as a winter storm watch and cold weather advisory are issued for Lincoln County.

The warming shelter will be at the FEMA building, also called the Brookhaven building, located at 1154 Beltline Drive. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the warming shelter will remain open until Thursday, January 23 at 1o a.m. People taking shelter at the FEMA building will need to bring all necessary food, medications and supplies. No pets are allowed in the building.

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures will be very low with colder wind chills which could lead to hypothermia and frostbite with prolonged exposure.

Pets need to be kept inside as much as possible and make sure outdoor animals have dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.

A winter storm watch will be in effect from Monday evening to Wednesday morning.  Heavy snow is possible for the area with a mixture of sleet which could cause dangerous road conditions.  NWS reports Lincoln County is expected to see two inches of snow and at the most five inches of snow, higher confidence leans towards two and three inches as of noon Sunday.

NWS Jackson stated the following for anyone who attempts to drive in the wintry conditions Tuesday.

“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” NWS Jackson stated. “Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”

Lincoln County and Brookhaven School Districts told The Daily Leader Friday they will likely make a decision Monday on if they will have school Tuesday.

Check back for more updates before, during and after weather hazards threaten Lincoln County and southwest Mississippi.