Olive Branch mayor declares emergency for winter weather

January 18, 2024January 18, 2024 Bob Bakken

Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams Thursday declared an emergency status for the City of Olive Branch due to the unprecedented winter weather. Record low temperatures and icy conditions throughout the region have stressed all utility systems, and roads have become almost impossible to navigate.

The City of Olive Branch has salt/sand trucks that have been running around the clock since before the winter precipitation began Sunday evening. It is expected ice on roadways to begin melting as temperatures rise, however, refreezing will most likely occur overnight as lows are expected to be below freezing again.

There have been no reported ruptured water mains as of 12 noon Thursday, but there have been a very high call volume from customers with busted water pipes in homes and businesses. At this time, the city had not lost complete water pressure in the system, so a boil water notice has not been put in place. Residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water and refrain from non-essential water use as much as possible in an effort to replenish our water system.

Residents are asked to refrain from washing clothes, running dishwashers, and other activities that require using large quantities of water. Report ruptured water lines to 662-895-4111 immediately.

The Olive Branch Police Department is working more than 20 motor vehicle accident reports as of 12 noon Thursday and police have issued the following Inclement Weather Policy:

If you are in a fender bender, there are absolutely no injuries, and no vehicles need to be towed, please exchange information with the other party/parties and report the incident at the Olive Branch Police Department when road conditions are back to normal.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, there are injuries, and any vehicles need to be towed, please call 911 or 662-895-4111 for first responder assistance.

Police have found it necessary to close multiple roads due to icy conditions and accidents which have made them impossible to navigate.