BROOKHAVEN — A winter storm warning was issued for Lincoln County Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service issued the warning as there are threats of dangerous cold temperatures and accumulating snowfall. 

According to NWS Jackson, anywhere from two to four inches of snow could accumulate in areas of Lincoln County. NWS Jackson states major snowfall with this storm will be south of the US84 corridor. Residents should plan for roads to be slippery and hazardous. The warning will be in effect from tonight to Tuesday night. 

It is possible any snowmelt could refreeze later this week causing icy road conditions. We will work to provide updates in the days to come.

Travel hazards

NWS Jackson states if you must travel you should keep a flashlight, food and water in a vehicle in case of an emergency. Response times by emergency responders could be slowed down by snow so please do not travel unless absolutely necessary. 

Lincoln County Supervisors Keith Lewis, Eli Ferguson and John David Hart echoed the same caution, do not travel if you do not have to. People seeking a joy ride could cause dangerous situations for first responders and road crews. 

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has sprayed I-55, US51 and US84. Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said MDOT will start spraying roadways again later tonight. 

Brookhaven and Lincoln County Officials made the decision to close the courthouse Tuesday and Wednesday. Lincoln County Board of Supervisors still plan to hold a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday morning while Brookhaven’s Board of Aldermen plan to have their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.  

Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox said the board meeting would be held via teleconference. 

Impacts to school

Possible snow and ice have closed the Lincoln County and Brookhaven School District for Tuesday. The school districts will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. day.

BSD Superintendent Rod Henderson announced the decision Sunday evening.

“Due to the possibility of bad road conditions, we will be closed on Tuesday,” Henderson said. “Any decision regarding closing beyond Tuesday will be decided Tuesday evening.”

Lincoln County Superintendent David Martin said schools would be closed Tuesday. He will wait on a decision for Wednesday.

Brookhaven Academy will be closed for school Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Warming shelter opens

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.

Share your pictures of children enjoying the winter weather,  snow, ice and any storm damage by emailing news@dailyleader.com. Additionally, please share your reports of road and bridge conditions by emailing news@dailyleader.com. Stay safe and check back for more updates.