Oxford Could See 1-2 Inches of Snow Tuesday Morning

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

From the National Weather Service

Oxonians could wake up to a winter wonderland Tuesday morning with the National Weather Service predicting 1 to 2 inches of snow by sunrise.

However, with Mississippi’s weather being unpredictable, local school districts say they will continue watching weather reports before making a decision on whether to close schools Tuesday.

The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for most of north Mississippi which includes Oxford and Lafayette County, beginning tonight at midnight.

Rain is expected tonight as the approaching weather system moves in. The Arctic air will arrive quickly tonight, potentially causing “flash freezing” on wet roads.

The Lafayette and Oxford school districts said they will make a determination as to whether to close school or have a delayed opening sometime today and will notify parents via the districts’ via their automated system, robocalls, text, emails on social media sites.

Hottytoddy.com will post closings as they are announced as well.

Snow is expected to end around sunrise Tuesday with the skies clearing for a sunny but cold day with a high of 33 degrees and a low Tuesday night of 22 degrees. Wednesday’s high is expected to be 37 with a low of 18 degrees.

Water pipes have the potential to freeze over the next three nights. State Farm suggests the following tips to help prevent pipes from freezing:

• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.