Winter storm continues to paralyze DeSoto County: Offices closed, roads remain hazardous
Photo: Drone image of Horn Lake City Hall (Credit Horn Lake Police Department/Facebook)
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Dangerous road conditions and a lingering deep freeze from the winter storm have forced the closure of government offices, courts, and essential services across DeSoto County through Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Local authorities issued a stern travel advisory Tuesday after a series of accidents and slide-offs occurred on major thoroughfares, including Interstate 55 and Highway 302. While daytime temperatures allowed for some melting, officials warned that standing water is expected to refreeze into “black ice” overnight, making morning commutes treacherous.
“Progress on clearing roads has been slow, especially on layers of ice that resemble concrete,” Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams said, noting that crews have been working around the clock to address more than 350 miles of city roadways.
Service Disruptions and Closures
The impact of the storm has brought most non-emergency operations to a halt. A complete listing can be found on the linked story on DeSoto County News.
Emergency Response and Safety
Gov. Tate Reeves has activated the Mississippi National Guard to assist with recovery efforts, deploying 500 Guardsmen to deliver water, blankets, and generators to affected areas.
While power outages in DeSoto County remain minimal, warming centers continue to be operating at the Southaven Community Safe Room, the Gale Community Center in Hernando, and the Olive Branch Elementary School Storm Shelter.
The Olive Branch Fire Department urged residents to use extreme caution with space heaters, reminding the public to keep units at least three feet away from flammable materials and to plug them directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords.
Motorists who must travel are encouraged to check real-time updates via the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s MDOT Traffic website before heading out.
