DeSoto County officials have declared a local emergency as freezing rain, sleet, and snow move into the Mid-South, triggering a full-scale response from road crews and emergency personnel.
The Board of Supervisors issued the Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency on Friday as the county prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions. The DeSoto County Road Department has mobilized 25 specialized vehicles—including snow plows, tractors with blades, and spreader trucks—to treat more than 1,300 lane miles across unincorporated areas. Crews currently have 350 tons of salt‑sand mix on hand, with an additional 200 tons ordered to maintain supplies through the storm.
Salt-sand mix being loaded onto a county truck to treat roads ahead of expected winter weather this weekend. (Courtesy DeSoto County Government)
County leaders urged residents to follow key safety steps as temperatures fall and roads become increasingly hazardous. Officials advised staying home to keep roads clear for plows, bringing pets indoors, checking flashlights and emergency kits, and watching for black ice even on roads that appear wet. Residents were also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and give emergency vehicles ample space if travel is unavoidable.
Supervisors, first responders, and road crews are monitoring conditions around the clock and will issue updates as the winter storm evolves.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
