MLK Day forecast: How much snow will Jackson get? What is the forecast for Hattiesburg?

Show Caption

Mississippi woke up to brutally cold temperatures on Martin Luther King Day, with the National Weather Service in Jackson forecasting "impactful snowfall accumulations" across much of Mississippi.

At 5:30 a.m. Monday, the NWS recorded Jackson at 22 degrees. It was even colder in Cleveland at 20 degrees. Factoring in the wind chill, it felt like 14 degrees outside as a cold weather advisory remained in effect.

Farther South, Hattiesburg wasn't much better at 24 degrees with a wind chill of 18 degrees. Hattiesburg, McComb and the Mississippi Coast have been placed under a Winter Storm Warning from midnight Tuesday through Midnight Wednesday.

The Gulfport-Biloxi reported 27 degrees with 18-degree wind chills.

"Impactful snowfall accumulations are expected across the Highway 84 corridor Tuesday, and dangerous travel conditions are expected there," the NWS reported. "Lighter snow accumulation is expected further north up to the I-20 corridor. Keep in mind that because of the very cold temperatures, any snow accumulation could be impactful, so continue to monitor for updates and reconsider travel plans in southern portions of the area."

Gov. Tate Reeves had declared a State of Emergency for Mississippi ahead of Tuesday's anticipated storms. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing each day this week according to the latest forecast.

What's open on MLK Day? What's open and closed on MLK Day? Do kids have school on Monday? What you need to know

How much snow will Jackson get?

Central Mississippi, with Vicksburg, the Jackson area and Meridian was expected to get up to two inches of snow on Tuesday.

The NWS said road may be snow covered, causing "hazardous driving conditions."

Jackson was considered at an "elevated threat."

Jackson was expected to have a high of 34 on Tuesday with a low of 13 degrees, so the snow could be around for some time. Wednesday's high was projected at 41.

Low temperatures remained below freezing all week according to NWS projections.

A light accumulation of snow of less than one inch was expected north of the Jackson area.

Could Daylight Savings Time end? Will Mississippi have daylight saving time this year? Trump says US should get rid of it

How much snow will Hattiesburg get?

Hattiesburg and much of South Mississippi including Natchez, Brookhaven and Laurel, were under a 'significant threat" of snow, with 2-4 inches likely on Tuesday.

The NWS said "dangerous travel conditions" were expected. Power outages were possible.

What is the forecast in Washington D.C. for the inauguration?

Follow the inauguration live: Inauguration live updates: Donald Trump to take oath of office, return for second term

Monday saw bone-chilling temperatures across much of the country, and the nation's capital was no different, where President Donald Trump was set to be sworn in in. The inauguration was moved indoors due to the frigid weather, expected at a high of 24 degrees in Washington D.C.

The Mississippi Valley State University band was scheduled to perform at the inauguration, and a strong contingent from Mississippi was expected to attend.

Tattered flags above City Hall: Amid national talk of US flags, Jackson flags at City Hall, Thalia Mara are tattered, battered

How can I prepare for extreme cold?

The National Weather Service has tips to protect your family, pets, home and more in extreme cold.

Family

• Know your weather forecasts, be ready in case of power outages.
• Limit time outside in the cold. Early morning is the coldest, and kids might need to wait for the school bus somewhere warmer than usual.
• Dress for winter weather, including layers to keep out the wind and wet. Wear waterproof boots, a hat and gloves.
• Get a kit together for your home and/or vehicle.
• Don't stay in wet clothes, stay warm and dry.
• Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.

House

• Insulate pipes.
• Drip water and open cabinet doors to let pipes get warm air circulation.
• Turn off sprinklers, and disconnect hoses. Insulate outside taps and pipes.
• Winterize the home, like checking your chimney, clearing gutters. Insulate windows and attics if possible. If there are gaps around blankets or doors you can't fill, cover them with blankets or towels.
• Install/check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• If you have a generator or plan to use one, make sure it's set up to run safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't run it in the house or near air intake for the residence.
• Use space heaters safely: don't leave them unattended and be sure there's a 3-foot space away from flammable objects like curtains or furniture.
• Close unused rooms to keep from wasting heat.
• Car
• Make sure your vehicles have at least half a tank of gas so you can stay warm if stranded.
• Have an emergency kit ready in your car if you have to travel in cold weather.
• Pets
• If pets can come into the home or another shelter, bring them in.
• If animals, like livestock, can't come inside, try to provide shelter and make sure their water isn't frozen over regularly.
• "Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water," the NWS stated.

Car

• Make sure your vehicles have at least half a tank of gas so you can stay warm if stranded.
• Have an emergency kit ready in your car if you have to travel in cold weather.

Pets

• If pets can come into the home or another shelter, bring them in.
• If animals, like livestock, can't come inside, try to provide shelter and make sure their water isn't frozen over regularly.

"Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water," the NWS stated.

Why Robert E. Lee Day still celebrated? Two states still honor Robert E. Lee on Martin Luther King Day. See which ones, why

How do I prepare my plants? MS garden expert gives advice for low temps. See what you can and can't do.

What are some of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in Mississippi?

As cold as it will be for the early part of this week, temperatures should not approach all-time records for the state if NWS forecasts hold true.

Here's a look at some of the record lows set around Mississippi and when they occurred.

• Waveland: 6 degrees, Jan. 22, 1985 (PlantMaps.com)
• Poplarville: 3 degrees, Jan. 21, 1985 (PlantMaps.com)
• Biloxi: 1 degree, Feb. 12, 1899 (Plantmaps.com)
• Hattiesburg: -1 degree, Feb. 13, 1899 (NWS)
• Greenville: -2 degrees, Feb. 2, 1951 (NWS)
• Waynesboro: -2 degrees, Feb. 13, 1899 (PlantMaps.com)
• Greenwood: -3 degrees, Feb. 3, 1951 (NWS)
• Jackson: -5 degrees, Jan. 27, 1940 (NWS)
• Meridian: -6 degrees, Feb. 13, 1899 (NWS)
• Clarksdale: -8 degrees, Jan. 12, 1918 (PlantMaps.com)
• Sardis: -8, Feb. 2, 1951 (PlantMaps.com)
• Hernando: -12 degrees, Jan. 12, 1918 (PlantMaps.com)
• Tupelo: -12 degrees, Jan. 30, 1966 (PlantMaps.com)
• Vicksburg: -12 degrees, Feb. 2, 1951 (NWS)
• Oxford: -13 degrees, Jan. 21, 1985 (PlantMaps.com)
• Corinth: -19 degrees, Jan. 30, 1966 - Mississippi's coldest day on record (NOAA)

Is Entergy prepared? Keeping the power on: How Entergy plans to make sure you stay warm during polar vortex

Clarion Ledger Staff Writers Bonnie Bolden and Brian Broom contributed to this report.