Snow causing problems in east MS and west AL

Ice and snow caused scattered power outages Friday. Mississippi Power said it's working to restore service. Dixie Electric Power Association reported over a thousand power outages initially in Wayne County.

EMEPA reported hundreds of outage throughout the area. 3,181 in Clarke, 2076 in Lauderdale County, Kemper - 521, Wayne - 248.

Snow caused numerous closings of schools and businesses in east Mississippi and west Alabama Friday.

Offices with the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County offices are also closed. Only essential personnel like public works, police and fire departments are working.

The mayor's office says snow accumulated on roads, bridges and overpasses. Some bridges and overpasses could be dangerous.

Residents should be mindful of the temperature. When it reaches freezing and below, existing precipitation will start to freeze and make traveling hazardous. This weather system is worse the farther south you go.

Clarke County EMA Director Eddie Ivy says road conditions there are dangerous and trees and power lines are breaking due to ice accumulations.

Choctaw County, Ala., Sheriff Scott Lolley says many hills and roads in the county were impassible. He is advising residents to stay off the roads Friday.

NAS Meridian is closed Friday. Only essential personnel should report.

The first flight out of the Meridian Regional Airport was cancelled Friday.

EARLIER:

Meridian Public Schools and Lauderdale County Schools have announced they are closing. Quitman and Enterprise Schools in Clarke County are also closed. You can see the rest of the closings at the link at the top of www.wtok.com.

Clarke County EMA Director Eddie Ivy says snow is starting to stick in places in Clarke County. He says crews are out on the roads and bridges, trying to get them as safe as possible to drive on.

Ivy is worried that the conditions could get worse in Clarke County later Friday.

Some bridges are icing over in Lauderdale County.