Biloxi and the surrounding area could see a wintry mix of rain and sleet and maybe even snow on Friday, according to emergency managers, and Biloxi Police are warning drivers to watch for frozen bridges and overpasses.
A Winter Weather Advisory, which warns of possible snow, freezing rain or sleet in the area, is in effect from 9 tonight until noon Friday. The wintertime mix is expected to arrive during the early morning hours, making travel challenging because of slippery roads and limited visibility.
Tonight, temperatures are forecast to be as low 38 degrees, with a North wind of 15 mph, gusts as high as 30 mph and a 90 percent chance of rain. Then on Friday, the day’s high will reach only 39 degrees, with a North wind 10 to 15 mph, and gusts as high as 25 mph. And there’s an 80 percent chance of rain. The wind chill is expected to be below freezing.
“Please remember that with this winter weather, freezing temperatures are possible causing ice on the bridges, depending on when the rain moves out,” Biloxi Emergency Manager Michelle Crowley said. “Be cautious, and if you must travel, slow down. At home, take care of the four Ps – your people, plants, pipes and pets.”
If you must travel, allow plenty of time.
“Don’t drive the way you typically do,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said. “The speed limits on our roadways are for optimal conditions, and we certainly will not have optimal conditions tonight or Friday. Slow down a lot sooner and give yourself plenty of time to stop when approaching an intersection or another vehicle.”
The Winter Weather Advisory has led to the opening of two cold-weather shelters: The Salvation Army Cold Weather Shelter, 2019 22nd Street in Gulfport and the Fournier Multi-Purpose Building, 10395 Automall Parkway Blvd. in D’iberville. Both shelters will be open from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. through Saturday morning. Anyone needing a ride to a shelter should call the Biloxi Police Department at 228-392-0641.
Biloxi Public Schools leaders today said that classes will be conducted at their usual times Friday morning.
See the current weather and seven-day forecast
Video: See the Wintertime Safety Tips
See more weather safety tips
News and notes
City Desk: Hear about the latest city issues and the weather advisory in this week’s program, recorded today at Biloxi City Hall. To listen, click here.
Holiday safety: Christmas shopping season and the rush of the holidays are here and the Biloxi Police Department is reminding shoppers of a few safety tips. To see the safety video, click here. To read some safety tips, click here.
