Updated: 01/26/26 @ 5:45PM
Extreme Cold Watch January 25, 06:00pm until January 27, 12:00pm
There are numerous low-hanging and downed tree limbs across the area, many of which may be entangled with power lines. Do not approach, attempt to clear, or attempt to cross these hazards. Always assume all downed or low-hanging lines are energized and dangerous.
The Miss-Lou area is expected to experience winter weather conditions, including likely icing. Mississippi and Louisiana have both issued a State of Emergency ahead of the conditions. Local officials and organizations have shared the following updates, closures, and recommendations to help residents stay safe and prepared.
Closures
Natchez Stewpot Closure & Meal Assistance
The Natchez Stewpot will be closed:
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Saturday, January 24, 2026
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Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Monday, January 26, 2026
To assist those in need, the Stewpot is distributing extra meals today, Friday, January 23, 2026, in preparation for the incoming weather.
Tuesday, January 27th
City of Natchez and Adams County offices to re-open
Adams County Courthouse to reopen at 1PM
Trash pickup for both city and county customers will resume
Due to continued below-average temperatures, residents are encouraged to leave faucets on a slow drip to help prevent broken water lines.
To report storm-related damage, visit www.adamscountyms.net and click “Report Damage.”
Monday, January 26th Closures
Rapides Parish School Board has announced that its schools and offices will be closed. Any further closures will be announced on Monday.
Natchez-Adams County School District offices and schools will be closed. Further decisions on closures past Monday will be announced at a later date.
Delta Charter will be closed. A decision on Tuesday will be announced on Monday.
Adams County Christian School (ACCS) will be closed. A decision on Tuesday will be announced on Monday.
Alcorn State University will transition to online instruction. On Tuesday, the university will have a delayed start and open at 12 p.m. All classes will be conducted online before 12 p.m.
Natchez City Hall & Non-essential Offices will be closed
Adams County Offices will be closed
Vidalia City Offices will be closed
All Louisiana State Offices will be closed
Shops at Kress will be closed Sunday and Monday
Natchez Historical Society’s Preservation Gala scheduled for Jan 27th has been postponed until further notice
Concordia Bank & Trust will delay opening until 10AM
Bryans Marine is closed Monday
Travel & Road Safety
Officials strongly urge residents to stay off the roads and to travel only if absolutely necessary.
Adams County and City of Natchez Road crews will be out in full force working as quickly and safely as possible.
Emergency responders must be able to safely access roadways, and unnecessary travel increases the risk of accidents and delayed response times.
Road Closures and Hazards
Elevated Sections of I-49 from Exit 80 (MacArthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.)
Louisiana DOTD announced that beginning Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m. I-49 through Alexandria will be closed from Exit 8- (the southern junction of MacArthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.), due to winter conditions. This closure will remain in effect until any frozen precipitation accumulation has been cleared. The closure includes all entry and exit ramps between these exits.
The Flyover connecting Devereux Dr, and Sgt Prentiss Dr. is now closed. MDOT is, and will continue treating the bridge.
Reed Loop Road near Spanky’s Storage Units
Morgantown Road near Steam Plant Road
Entrance to Redd Loop Road Trailer Park – COMPLETELY CLOSED due to downed power lines
Hurricane Road (City of Natchez)
Cloverdale Road near 194
North Rankin Street
West Wilderness Road near Prince Addition
Magnolia Avenue (low-hanging power line)
Morgantown Road near Mt. Carmel
Brooklyn Drive
245 Country Club Drive (occupants are safe; falling limbs reported during response)
Water System & Plumbing Protection
Residents are encouraged to:
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Drip faucets during freezing temperatures
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Insulate exposed water lines
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Report any leaks to the appropriate water utility provider
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Immediately report busted water mains if water is seen gushing from the ground or roadways
Early reporting helps minimize damage and speeds up repairs.
Personal Preparedness
Residents should prepare ahead of time by ensuring they have:
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Non-perishable food
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Drinking water
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Fuel
- Battery Powered radios to stay informed.
- Power Banks to charge necessary electronics.
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Medical supplies, including oxygen, prescription medications, and other critical medical needs
Those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should plan accordingly for possible extended power outages or plan to go to a shelter.
Generator Safety
Residents using generators are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
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Never operate generators indoors, in garages, or near windows or doors
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Place generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from structures
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Never use generators to power household wiring unless connected through a properly installed transfer switch
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Allow generators to cool before refueling to prevent fires
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Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords
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Install carbon monoxide detectors in the home if operating a generator
Improper generator use can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or electrical hazards.
Shelters
MISSISSIPPI:
The Adams County Safe Room will be open starting at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for residents in need of shelter and warmth.
The Adams County Safe Room
323 Liberty Rd
Natchez, MS
Please bring a blanket, food, water, and any medication that you may need. Pets are welcome, but they must be in a kennel.
For anyone who needs a ride to the Adams County Safe Room are encouraged to call 601-445-3525
Volunteers are needed to assist at the Adams County Safe Room. If you are able to volunteer, please call 601-445-3525.
Food donations are also needed. Individuals or organizations willing to donate food or provide meals are encouraged to call the same number for coordination.
Important notice: Law enforcement will not be checking warrants for individuals seeking shelter. Residents needing warmth or safety are encouraged to utilize the safe room.
LOUISIANA:
The following warming shelters will be available in Louisiana:
Concordia Parish Courthouse (Bottom Floor)
4001 Carter St #5, Vidalia, LA
318-719-2010
Ridgecrest City Hall
116 Foster Dr, Ridgecrest, LA
479-856-1961
Ferriday Hall
9 Greathouse St, Ferriday, LA
318-757-3606
Clayton City Hall
101 Shady Ln, Clayton, LA
318-719-1796
Monterey Sub-Station
6098 Hwy 129, Monterey, LA
318-316-2979
Emergency Services Reminder
Residents are asked to reserve 911 for emergency use only to ensure emergency services remain available for life-threatening situations.
Utilities & Power Outages
Local utility providers have additional crews on standby; however, outages may be extended due to hazardous conditions. Crews will restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
City and county public works crews will be actively removing fallen limbs and debris from roadways as conditions allow. These crews cannot remove limbs that are entangled with power lines or located near downed electrical lines. Only authorized utility personnel can safely handle those situations.
Residents are strongly advised to stay away from all downed power lines and to always assume any downed line is energized and dangerous, even if it appears inactive. Report downed lines immediately to your local utility provider and avoid the area until crews arrive.
Downed power lines should be reported immediately to Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or by calling 911. Additional storm safety information is available through Entergy’s Storm Center.
Concordia Electric is also reminding customers to use proper reporting channels as conditions worsen. Residents are asked to use the Concordia Electric mobile app to report outages only. For other issues, including blinking lights, low voltage, or trees down, customers should call 318-339-7969. Outages may also be reported by phone. If dispatchers are unavailable, callers are encouraged to leave a detailed voicemail, as messages will be checked frequently.
Vehicle Cooling System Advisory
If water has been used in a vehicle’s cooling system, residents are advised to flush the system and replace it with proper coolant or antifreeze before freezing temperatures cause damage.









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