By: The Clarksdale Advocate
Cover Photo By: Shannon Dixon
Clarksdale, Ms. – This week, Clarksdale and Northwest Mississippi experienced extreme winter weather marked by record-low temperatures and snow. Coahoma County Emergency Management Director Charles Hale urged residents to stay indoors. At the same time, Mayor Chuck Espy and the City of Clarksdale declared an emergency in a special meeting held on Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of freezing rain and icy roads across Northwest Mississippi, and A wind chill advisory remains in effect through next week.
Despite hazardous road conditions, there were no reports of major injuries as the area faced six to seven inches of snow. Efforts to clear roads were initially challenging. Mayor Chuck Espy made a Facebook post expressing gratitude to the City workers of Clarksdale. He stated, “They were faced with a challenge, specifically the inability of our snow equipment to gain traction; I instructed the team to return it to the shop. However, instead of being deterred by equipment failure, our team members demonstrated remarkable determination. Rather than calling it a day, they chose to take matters into their own hands. They decided to use sheer manpower to layer sand and gravel at each intersection, ensuring the city could navigate the snow-covered streets. Inspired by their commitment, I joined them in this hands-on approach.”
He expressed gratitude to the outstanding team for their unwavering dedication and hard work, which played a crucial role in getting the city back on track. “They truly exemplify the spirit of teamwork and resilience,” he said. “Thank you to the Clarksdale public works team for their exceptional service.”
Local schools and businesses took a cautious approach, opting to remain closed throughout the week, with the optimistic goal of reopening on Monday. Regular updates will be provided to keep the community informed about any developments.
The Clarksdale Auditorium remains a warming station for those in need as temperatures persist below freezing. In the spirit of community solidarity, a heartfelt request is extended to check on elderly neighbors and the homeless and prioritize safety during this wintry weather.
Despite sunshine and temperatures above freezing during the day, caution is advised due to the persistence of black ice on roads and a windchill advisory through Sunday. Parents are reminded to monitor outdoor activities.
As the community faces this challenging weather, resilience and community support remain crucial. According to NWS, the Clarksdale area anticipates a slow thaw with a 70-percent chance of rain forecasted for the upcoming week. In navigating this unprecedented winter ordeal, unity and preparedness are key.
Photo from Mayor Chuck Espy FB page
