Winter Weather Advisory Issued Across Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Mississippi as Ice Threat Expands South

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for a large portion of the Mid-South, covering Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Mississippi, as an advancing cold system brings the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and icy travel conditions through early Tuesday morning.

The advisory, which remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, includes key areas such as Memphis, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and northern Mississippi counties, with meteorologists warning of hazardous roads and slick surfaces due to accumulating ice.

Cold Front and Moisture Collide

Meteorologists say a southern-sliding cold front is combining with moisture streaming from the Gulf of Mexico, setting up a dangerous mix of rain and freezing temperatures across the region.

Model data from the NAM and GEM weather systems shows the freezing line creeping farther south than initially forecast, now threatening communities across the Arkansas Delta, West Tennessee, and northern Mississippi.

“We’ve been tracking this setup for days,” one forecaster said. “The models kept hinting that this thing would drift south — and that’s exactly what it’s doing.”

Icy Conditions Expected Overnight

Forecasters warn that even a thin glaze of ice could lead to hazardous travel conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. The freezing rain and sleet are expected to develop late Monday night and continue into the early morning hours Tuesday before tapering off.

The National Weather Service advises residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for potential power outages in regions where ice accumulation becomes significant.

“Temperatures may hover just below freezing, but that’s enough to create serious problems,” meteorologists cautioned. “Even light ice accumulation can make roads slick and dangerous.”

Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Mississippi Brace for Impact

Counties under the Winter Weather Advisory include much of central and eastern Arkansas, parts of western Tennessee, and northern Mississippi.

In Tennessee, the Memphis metro area and nearby rural counties are expected to see the worst of the freezing rain overnight.
In Arkansas, ice is forecast to develop along the I-40 corridor from Little Rock eastward toward the Mississippi River.
Northern Mississippi could experience light icing by early Tuesday morning as temperatures drop into the upper 20s.

Residents Urged to Prepare

Authorities are urging residents to bring pets indoors, cover outdoor plants, and be cautious when driving or walking on frozen surfaces. Power companies are also on alert for potential outages if ice accumulates on power lines and tree branches.

“People should not underestimate this,” said a weather analyst from the Gulf Coast Weather Network (GCWX). “This setup could still shift, and the southern edge of the freezing zone might expand even more overnight.”

Looking Ahead

The icy weather is expected to move out by mid-Tuesday morning, but forecasters say the cold air will remain in place throughout the week, keeping temperatures below average.

Another system could develop later in the week, potentially bringing another round of winter precipitation to parts of the South.

Stay updated on regional weather alerts, travel safety information, and winter forecasts by visiting SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — your trusted source for the latest weather developments across the Southeast.