A photo taken along Highway 440 north of Kosciusko shows the dangerous impact ice accumulation can have on trees, even when road surfaces themselves may not appear icy.
The image shows trees and large limbs weighed down by ice, with some leaning into or over the roadway. Emergency officials warn that conditions like this can make travel just as dangerous as icy pavement, as limbs or entire trees can fall suddenly and without warning.
Attala County Emergency Management officials say that while there have been no confirmed reports of ice-covered roadways, the threat of falling trees and limbs creates a serious hazard for drivers. Ice accumulation on trees, combined with wind or shifting temperatures, can cause limbs to snap or trees to topple into roadways.
Officials continue to urge residents to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary, noting that a fallen tree can block a roadway, damage vehicles, or lead to accidents with little time for drivers to react.
As temperatures begin to drop below freezing and ice continues to weigh down trees across the county, emergency management officials stress that avoiding unnecessary travel is one of the best ways residents can stay safe during the ongoing winter weather event.