Mayor John Horhn, joined by city, county, state, utility, education, and nonprofit partners, held a news conference today to outline coordinated preparations ahead of the significant winter storm expected to impact the Jackson area this weekend.

Officials detailed plans for road treatment and infrastructure readiness, power restoration efforts, emergency management coordination, school operations, transit service adjustments, and expanded shelter and warming options for vulnerable residents. They emphasized that residents should limit travel once conditions deteriorate, prepare for possible power outages, and check on seniors, neighbors with disabilities, and people without reliable heat.

“Jackson is facing a serious winter storm,” said Mayor John Horhn. “City departments, Hinds County, the State of Mississippi, Entergy, Jackson Public Schools, and our shelter partners have been planning and coordinating for days to protect our residents and keep essential services running. We are asking everyone in Jackson to do their part: stay off the roads when the weather turns icy, prepare your home for freezing temperatures and potential outages, and look out for your neighbors. If you need help or shelter, do not wait until conditions are at their worst to reach out.”

During the news conference, the National Weather Service provided an overview of expected ice, sleet, and dangerously cold temperatures over multiple days. Emergency management officials described activation of coordination efforts and encouraged residents to monitor official alerts and local media for updated information. Public works staff outlined plans for treating priority routes and bridges, while Entergy Mississippi leadership discussed staging of crews and equipment to respond to outages as quickly and safely as conditions allow.

Jackson Public Schools leadership addressed ongoing monitoring of conditions and potential schedule changes, and JTRAN officials shared that transit operations may be reduced or suspended if roads become unsafe. Community partners, including Stewpot, the Central Mississippi Continuum of Care, and Shower Power highlighted expanded cold-weather shelter capacity and services for people experiencing homelessness and others in need of a warm, safe place to stay.

Residents are urged to:

• Avoid non-essential travel once roads become slick or icy.
• Protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from prolonged freezing temperatures.
• Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices, having flashlights and batteries on hand, and planning for heating needs.
• Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and anyone without adequate heat or shelter.

Additional updates on City of Jackson operations, shelter information, and storm-related changes will be shared through the City’s official website, social media channels, and local media.