Freezing temperatures and lingering moisture are causing icy conditions on roads and bridges as Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews continue to respond to winter weather in Mississippi.
The majority of the impacts are north of Interstate 20 along Instate 55. In north Mississippi, a line of freezing rain caused black ice to form early Friday morning in some areas.
MDOT crews continue to monitor conditions and are treating bridges with salt and slag to lower the freezing point of water and increase traction.
Currently, ice is being reported on bridges in the following counties:
Bolivar
Coahoma
DeSoto
Holmes
Lafayette
Leflore
Marshall
Panola
Quitman
Tallahatchie
Tunica
Warren
Yalobusha
Yazoo
All highways remain open and passable, but motorists should avoid travel if possible in affected areas.
For motorists who must drive in winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.
Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
Slow down; should winter weather conditions become present, black ice can form.
Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
Stay alert.
Looking ahead, winter weather conditions are expected to continue Sunday and Monday. Crews will be pretreating highways throughout north and central Mississippi in the Friday and Saturday.
For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, visit MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.