Memphis weather: Ice storm brings risk of slick roads, power outages
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An ice storm warning takes effect at 6 p.m. Monday for Memphis, with "significant ice accumulations" between a quarter- and half-inch possible, the National Weather Service said. Reports of freezing drizzle were already coming in as of 3:30 p.m.
"That should continue for the rest of the afternoon before the first round of heavier precipitation begins," NWS Memphis said. "Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible."
Here is a model depiction of how the radar **may** look over the next 48 hours. We are expecting two rounds of mostly freezing rain.
This is going to result in significant impacts across the Mid-South, including power outages, travel difficulties and tree damage. pic.twitter.com/xkopHGjgbk— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) January 30, 2023
The ice storm warning will not lift until 12 p.m. Wednesday. However, the ice may partially melt Tuesday afternoon before another round of freezing rain picks up Tuesday evening, the forecast said.
"Travel is strongly discouraged," NWS Memphis said. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."
Here are the counties included in the ice storm warning: Benton; Carroll; Chester; Crockett; Decatur; Dyer; Fayette; Gibson; Hardeman; Haywood; Henderson; Henry; Lauderdale; Madison; Shelby; Tipton; and Weakley
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511. The Tennessee Department of Transportation also has live traffic cameras via its SmartWay traffic maps at smartway.tn.gov/traffic. NWS Memphis also posts frequent updates via Twitter at twitter.com/NWSMemphis. More forecast information can be found at weather.gov/MEG.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis weather: Ice storm brings risk of power outages, slick roads
