Jackson mayor says city is ready for the wintry weather ahead

Pam Dankins, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read
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Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said the city of Jackson is prepared for the freezing temperatures ahead, during a Thursday press conference.

For early next week, the Jackson National Weather Service forecast predicts for an Arctic airmass to move into the area. Temperatures as low as 8 degrees to 19 degrees and wind chills as low as -10 degrees to 10 degrees are possible across the state of Mississippi.

The service reported some areas will remain below freezing for more than 50 consecutive hours.

According to the service, it is still too early to determine where or if specific impacts may occur.

Lumumba urged residents to take notice of warnings and avoid being out on the roads Monday if possible.

The Jackson National Weather Service predicts forecast for an Arctic airmass to move into the area causing temps to dip as low as 8 degrees to 19 degrees.
The Jackson National Weather Service predicts forecast for an Arctic airmass to move into the area causing temps to dip as low as 8 degrees to 19 degrees.
The Jackson National Weather Service predicts forecast for an Arctic airmass to move into the area causing wind chills as low as -10 degrees to 10 degrees.
The Jackson National Weather Service predicts forecast for an Arctic airmass to move into the area causing wind chills as low as -10 degrees to 10 degrees.

"If you can stay home, we ask that you do so. The reason that we're communicating early and often with you is so that you can make preparations to stay home and get all of the ... items that you need," Lumumba said. "Remember Monday is a holiday and if you can stay home, it would be a wonderful time to do so."

On Monday, the city will open Shephards Gym on Hattiesburg Street as a shelter at 11 a.m. The shelter will be managed in partnership with the American Red Cross, Shower Power, the People’s Advocacy Institute and the city’s Constituent Services Department.

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The Jackson Police Department will provide security.

"Let me say that we know in recent years, as we have endured cold weather moments, that our infrastructure is subject to being affected by these temperatures, and so we want our residents to be prepared," Lumumba said.

"We don't want anyone to be in danger of losing their lives because of these temperatures."

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: City of Jackson prepares for colder temperature with shelters