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  • Winter Weather Info and Closures

    Winter Weather Info and Closures

    Updated: 01/26/26 @ 5:45PMExtreme 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.



    [headerText widget_name=”Closures” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    Natchez Stewpot Closure & Meal Assistance

    The Natchez Stewpot will be closed:

    • Saturday, January 24, 2026

    • Sunday, January 25, 2026

    • 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[vc_section][headerText widget_name=”Travel & Road Safety” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    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

    The flyover on 61 near Walmart in Natchez MS is closed
    Firetower road is closed to to a downed tree with powerline entanglement.
    MLK north is blocked in both directions at the Broadmoore intersection.
    Low hanging limb on Morgantown near Mt Carmel,
    698 Liberty Road one lane blocked
    317 Foster Mound Road Power pole tree down across the road.

     

    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)[/vc_section][headerText widget_name=”Water System & Plumbing Protection” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    Residents are encouraged to:

    • Drip faucets during freezing temperatures

    • Insulate exposed water lines

    • Report any leaks to the appropriate water utility provider

    • Immediately report busted water mains if water is seen gushing from the ground or roadways

    Early reporting helps minimize damage and speeds up repairs.

    [headerText widget_name=”Personal Preparedness” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    Residents should prepare ahead of time by ensuring they have:

    • Non-perishable food

    • Drinking water

    • Fuel

    • Battery Powered radios to stay informed.
    • Power Banks to charge necessary electronics.
    • 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.

    [headerText widget_name=”Generator Safety” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    Residents using generators are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

    • Never operate generators indoors, in garages, or near windows or doors

    • Place generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from structures

    • Never use generators to power household wiring unless connected through a properly installed transfer switch

    • Allow generators to cool before refueling to prevent fires

    • Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords

    • Install carbon monoxide detectors in the home if operating a generator

    Improper generator use can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or electrical hazards.

    [headerText widget_name=”Shelters” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    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

    [headerText widget_name=”Emergency Services Reminder” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]Residents are asked to reserve 911 for emergency use only to ensure emergency services remain available for life-threatening situations.[headerText widget_name=”Utilities & Power Outages” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

    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.

    Entergy outage map as of 1/25/26 10:20am:

    [headerText widget_name=”Vehicle Cooling System Advisory” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]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.

  • Possible Winter Weather Could Impact the Miss-Lou This Weekend

    Possible Winter Weather Could Impact the Miss-Lou This Weekend

    Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson is urging residents to prepare ahead of a potential winter storm expected to impact the area this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions from Friday night through Sunday.

    According to national weather forecasts, the system could bring lows in the teens and a high chance of precipitation, including rain, freezing rain, and sleet. Mayor Gibson warned that conditions are expected to begin declining Friday night and worsen through Saturday and Sunday.

    Mayor Gibson encouraged residents not to wait until the last minute to prepare, advising citizens to stock up on food, water, and essential supplies, wrap pipes, fill gas tanks, check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors, and make plans to keep pets indoors during freezing temperatures. He also reminded residents to allow faucets to drip during hard freezes to help prevent broken pipes and protect the city’s water system.

    In response to the anticipated weather, the Natchez Stewpot announced it will be closed on Sunday and may also be closed on Saturday depending on conditions. The Stewpot plans to prepare extra meals on Friday. Those needing additional information can contact the Stewpot at 601-442-9413.

    Adams County Emergency Management also announced plans to open the Adams County Safe Room to provide warm shelter for those in need. Final details will be released following a planning meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Individuals using the safe room are asked to bring their own food, drinks, medications, blankets, and other essential items. Kennels are required for animals. The Adams County Safe Room is located at 323 Liberty Road.

    The Concordia Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness reports that Concordia Parish and Adams County are currently at Level 2, indicating the potential for extended impacts from freezing rain and sleet. While forecasts suggest the heaviest winter weather may remain north of Concordia Parish, officials caution that dangerous travel conditions, downed trees, and possible power outages remain a concern.

    Rain and freezing rain are expected Friday night, with freezing rain and sleet possible throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Overnight lows could fall into the mid-teens by Sunday night.

    Emergency officials continue to encourage residents to closely monitor weather updates, maintain emergency supplies, ensure multiple ways to receive alerts, and follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management. Residents are reminded to stay off icy roads when possible, leave faucets on a slow drip to help prevent broken waterlines during below-freezing temperatures, and report downed power lines to Entergy at 1-800-368-3749 or by calling 911.

    Officials say early preparation and staying informed will be key to keeping the Natchez and Adams County communities safe as the winter weather approaches.

  • Reunion Parkway Ribbon Cutting Marks Major Milestone for Madison County

    Reunion Parkway Ribbon Cutting Marks Major Milestone for Madison County

    MADISON, Miss. — November 13, 2025
    Local, county, and state leaders gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate a transformational moment for Madison County’s road network: the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the newest segment of Reunion Parkway.

    Officials, including Congressman Michael Guest, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons, and Madison County Board of Supervisors President Gerald Steen, joined together on the newly completed roadway to officially open the latest stretch of the multi-phase project.

    Photo by Teri Taylor

    A New Connection to Ease Growing Traffic

    The newly completed phase — part of a $22.7 million investment — creates a direct two-lane connection from Highway 51 to Parkway East. County leaders say the opening will bring immediate relief to some of the area’s busiest corridors, offering a smoother east-west route for both drivers and commercial traffic.

    Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons highlighted the impact on safety, mobility, and economic development.

    “This project is about more than convenience,” Simmons said. “It’s about giving residents a safer way to travel and giving local businesses the infrastructure they need to keep Madison County moving forward.”

    The work was made possible through a partnership between Madison County and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, which helped secure federal funding for the project. Hemphill Construction served as the contractor, with MDOT’s Local Public Agencies Division overseeing the federally funded components.

    Photo by Teri Taylor

     

    Part of a Larger Vision

    Thursday’s celebration marks one of several major transportation improvements underway in the fast-growing county. Construction continues on both Bozeman Road and Reunion Parkway Phase II — the segment that will carry traffic over I-55 and connect Parkway East to Bozeman Road. That phase is expected to open in August.

    Madison County Supervisor Trey Baxter said the progress is building toward a long-planned, fully connected roadway network.

    “By late summer, drivers will be able to travel from Reunion to Highway 51 without the congestion we’ve all known for years,” Baxter said. “And with Bozeman also under construction, we’re creating a complete system to help people get to work and school more safely.”

    A Community Growing — and Preparing for More

    Residents at the ribbon cutting say the improvements couldn’t come at a better time. Madison County continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in Mississippi, placing heavy demand on existing roads.

    “We really needed this,” said longtime resident Phil McCoy. “Madison is growing so fast, and these new connections are going to make a big difference in how we all get around.”

    Looking Ahead

    While Thursday’s ceremony marked the official completion of the Reunion Parkway, officials emphasized that the work isn’t over. Additional stages are expected to open over the next two years, gradually bringing the full project — an idea first discussed in the Legislature more than a decade ago — to life.

    Simmons noted that MDOT remains committed to seeing future phases through.

    “Madison County has been a strong partner,” he said. “We look forward to being back here to cut the ribbon on the next phase soon.”

  • Shop Local Win Big – Moreton’s Flowerland

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    [vc_single_image image=”200970″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][headerText widget_name=”15% off any purchase of $50 or more” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]

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  • Shop Local Win Big – Mother’s Natchez

    [vc_single_image image=”187890″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”33659″ img_size=”thumbnail” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”59593″ img_size=”thumbnail” alignment=”center”]Shop Local • Win Big!

    How It Works

    • Shop at participating sponsor locations.
    • Scan the sponsor’s QR code displayed in-store.
    • Unlock an exclusive sponsor deal and enter the drawing.
    • Weekly prize drawings every Friday, Oct 31 – Jan 9, 2026.
    • Grand Prize drawing on Jan 9, 2026 (from all weekly winners).

  • Shop Local Win Big – Week’s Furniture

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    How It Works

    • Shop at participating sponsor locations.
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    • Weekly prize drawings every Friday, Oct 31 – Jan 9, 2026.
    • Grand Prize drawing on Jan 9, 2026 (from all weekly winners).

    [vc_single_image image=”198934″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]

  • Shop Local Win Big – Mile 363

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    • Shop at participating sponsor locations.
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    • Unlock an exclusive sponsor deal and enter the drawing.
    • Weekly prize drawings every Friday, Oct 31 – Jan 9, 2026.
    • Grand Prize drawing on Jan 9, 2026 (from all weekly winners).

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  • Shop Local Win Big 2025 – Nest

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    • Shop at participating sponsor locations.
    • Scan the sponsor’s QR code displayed in-store.
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    • Weekly prize drawings every Friday, Oct 31 – Jan 9, 2026.
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  • Shop Local Win Big 2025 – Atkins Lumber

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    • Scan the sponsor’s QR code displayed in-store.
    • Unlock an exclusive sponsor deal and enter the drawing.
    • Weekly prize drawings every Friday, Oct 31 – Jan 9, 2026.
    • Grand Prize drawing on Jan 9, 2026 (from all weekly winners).

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