NATCHEZ — Nearly 3 inches of snow is expected to fall today for the second time in as many weeks as the Miss-Lou prepares for another bout with frigid conditions.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Daniel Lamb said precipitation in the form of sleet and snow would start early this morning.

“We could see some sleet or snow before daybreak (today) around 4 a.m.,” he said. “Temperatures will fall well below freezing into the 20s by daybreak (today). There is no question about the temperatures being cold enough in this situation (for snow).”

Sleet and snow will increase through the morning hours today, Lamb said.

“In the Natchez area, it will be a mixture (of sleet and snow) in the morning,” he said. “If there is anything lingering in the afternoon, it will probably be just snow and not a mixture anymore.”

Accumulation in the 1- to 3-inch range is expected in the Natchez area.

“If it turns out to be more sleet, it will probably be on the lower end,” Lamb said. “If it turns out to be more snow, it could be more on the higher end. Things will start to taper off in the later afternoon and early evening hours (today), with maybe just a few lingering flurries or something like that. For the most part, things will be over with by the early evening.”

Today’s high is only expected to reach 31 degrees.

“If anything falls, it should be able to stick and stay on the ground,” Lamb said. “It will be quite cold (tonight).

“We are expecting a low of around 15 (tonight) in the Natchez area. It will be bitterly cold. It will be another situation where people need to make sure their pipes are insulated.”

Temperatures will warm a little Wednesday, with a high in the lower 40s.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant issued an emergency declaration Monday for 36 of the state’s 82 counties to speed up response to a storm that’s expected to bring snow and ice to central and southern parts of the state.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation is treating roadways and bridges for the possibility of ice. MDOT advises motorists to make preparations for possible hazardous driving conditions today.

“MDOT is doing everything possible to prepare for this winter storm event,” said Melinda McGrath, MDOT executive director. “We urge motorists to take this storm seriously. While MDOT will make every effort to keep roads and bridges passable when using extreme caution, only emergency travel is recommended in affected areas, especially on bridges and overpasses.”

MDOT crews will be patrolling the state’s interstates and highways, especially elevated bridges, during the evening and night for ice accumulation, loss of traction and to ensure roadways are safe.

The public is asked to report patches of ice accumulation that could impact traffic to local law enforcement agencies.

For more information on how weather is affecting travel conditions in your area,  sign up for travel alerts at MDOTtraffic.com or “like” MDOT on Facebook at MississippiDOT.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop M Spokesperson Sgt. Rusty Boyd advised residents to stay off the roadways as much as possible.

“Stay in unless you absolutely have to go somewhere,” Boyd said. “And if you do get on the roads, remember that just because the speed limit says something, you don’t have to drive that fast.

“If you’re uncomfortable, slow down.”

Boyd said residents underestimated the condition of icy bridges last week during the snowfall.

“When the roadways started to clear up, they thought it was OK to start speeding and when they came up on those bridges they were still icy,” Boyd said. “Remember, the bridges will be the last thing to be clear and the first thing to be iced over.”

During last week’s winter weather event, Louisiana State Police experienced a nearly 400 percent increase in weather-related traffic wrecks, including six fatality crashes.

With forecasts predicting potentially longer periods of freezing temperatures and precipitation, residents should prepare for anticipated road closures and make preparations to remain in the safety of their homes and refrain from unnecessary travel.

The Louisiana State Police will utilize extra patrols, nearly doubling the amount of troopers on duty while working closely with local agencies to provide the safest environment possible for motorists and citizens across the state.

Additionally, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development representatives will remain active throughout the event utilizing salt, sand and de-icing agents on bridges, overpasses and roadways where needed.

For real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations and pertinent safety information, visit and like the Louisiana State Police Facebook page at facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice or access the DOTD travel information database by calling 511 or logging onto 511la.org.

If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay in your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening.

If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the highway, notify your local State Police Troop office by dialing *LSP (*577) from your cell phone or contact your local law enforcement agency.