Biloxi, Mississippi

... Hard freeze warning remains in effect from midnight tonight to
9 am CST Wednesday...

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing by 8 or 9 PM and
remain below freezing through about 9 am for a duration of 10 to
12 hours. Hard freeze duration is expected to be about 6 to 8
hours from about midnight through 7 am.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A hard freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are
imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and
other sensitive vegetation.

To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor pipes...
pipes should be wrapped... drained... or allowed to drip slowly.
Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain their
systems... or cover any above-ground pipes to protect them from
freezing.

Pets are also subject to the extreme cold. Keep pets indoors as
much as possible. If this is not possible... make sure outdoor
pets have warm dry shelter... and provide sufficient food and
fresh unfrozen water.

Be particularly careful with portable heaters... there is a danger
of fire or poisonous fumes. Make frequent checks on the elderly.
Make sure their furnaces are working and heating the house
properly.

356 PM CST Tue Jan 5 2010

... Extended cold snap to continue into this weekend...
... A brief period of light winter mix is possible main in south Mississippi
   and upper southeast Louisiana Thursday...

The first dome of Arctic air entered the deep south Monday and
kept below normal temperatures in place for today... including a
hard freeze across much of south Mississippi and southeast
Louisiana this morning. Another hard freeze is expected tonight
for much of the area... except light freeze conditions in close
proximity to the South Shore of the tidal lakes including the New
Orleans Metro area.

Temperatures are not expected to go below freezing Wednesday night
as clouds return and a light rain develops towards daybreak
Thursday. A cold rain is expected for much of the area Thursday in
advance of a strong surge of Arctic air currently moving out of
Canada. The dense cold air will flush the rain out of the area but
in doing so... may briefly transition to a mix of light sleet and
light snow with little or no accumulation before ending Thursday
afternoon or early evening. The area most likely to see these
conditions may be limited to the southwest Mississippi counties
and the adjacent Florida parishes. South of this
area... temperatures should be warm enough to preclude winter
precipitation.

Residual moisture on area bridges and water crossings may result
in the formation of black ice... a condition where a thin glaze of
ice covers exposed paved surfaces. These conditions would favor
rural area roads that are less traveled during the night. Travel
in the region late Thursday night and early Friday morning should
be done with extreme caution. Elevated ice glazing... such as on
trees and powerlines... is not anticipated at this time.

The Arctic air will be the coldest this far south since February
1996 and will have a long duration impact for each night Thursday
night through Saturday night. Area temperatures may undergo freeze
durations of 12 to 15 hours each night... generally from shortly
after sunset until about mid-morning. Areas within hard freeze
warnings can experience those conditions for durations of 8 to 10
hours each night.

Everyone in south Mississippi and south Louisiana should bring to
completion all freeze preparedness measures this evening. This
includes the wrapping and protecting of exposed pipes... the
protection of sensitive plants and crops... the safe shelter of
outdoor pets and farm animals... and the care of individuals
vulnerable to the elements. Inspection and proper application of
heating equipment is urged to avoid fires and Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also... dress appropriately for extended outdoor exposure to the cold.


24/rr