All northbound lanes of Interstate 55 near Exit 271 (MS-306) in DeSoto County were shut down after an 18-wheeler crash amid dangerous conditions brought on by the winter storm, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
MDOT officials said the wreck left the highway completely blocked, forcing emergency crews to close the interstate while they work to clear the scene and assess roadway safety. Drivers are being urged to limit travel to emergencies only as ice, sleet and freezing rain continue to make roadways hazardous across North Mississippi.
This winter storm has already produced widespread icing, with road surfaces turning slick and visibility reduced by freezing precipitation. The storm has also caused numerous crashes, road closures and power outages across the region as sub-freezing temperatures persist.
Transportation and emergency officials warn that large vehicles such as tractor-trailers are especially vulnerable to losing control on icy roadways, increasing the risk of major accidents like the one that shut down I-55.
Motorists traveling through DeSoto County are advised to avoid Interstate 55 northbound near Exit 271 and seek alternate routes if absolutely necessary. However, authorities strongly recommend staying off the roads entirely until conditions improve and crews can safely restore normal traffic flow.
MDOT says updates on the closure will be provided as conditions change and cleanup operations continue.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news, weather alerts and official transportation updates as Winter Storm Fern continues to impact travel across the region.
