Bundle up! Winter weather is coming
Winter weather is expected to hit the area tonight through early Monday morning, and in the South, most are ill-equipped to deal with these conditions.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation is preparing for the cold temperatures that are expected to bring wintry precipitation to the state. Mississippians can expect to see MDOT along roads spreading salt overnight.
Melinda Mcgrath, P.E., MDOT executive director said, “Initially, we treat the roadway with salt as temperatures drop and icy conditions occur. Depending on the temperature drop and precipitation mix, we also combine the salt with slag for increased traction. Motorists should always slow down and drive carefully in winter weather conditions.”
It is important to remain aware of your surroundings while driving in wintry weather. Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road. Slow down because in winter weath
er conditions, black ice can form. Allow more space between the vehicles around you than usual. Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
Colder weather can also cause electric bills to skyrocket. The first step to decreasing your energy usage is making sure your thermostat is set to 68 degrees
because every degree over 68 increases your bill by roughly 3% according to Entergy Mississippi which is responsible for providing electricity to around 450,000 customers in 45 counties across Mississippi.
In order to stay warm without cranking up the heat and breaking bank, sealing air leaks and keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible are incredibly important. This can be done with blankets, towels or spare cloth for no cost or sealant found in hardware
stores for minimal cost. Make sure fans are moving clockwise during the cold months because it will push the heat back down since heat rises and it will keep the air circulating. Use natural heat from the sun as much as possible, so open blinds and curtains in the day but close them at night to keep the daytime heat in.
Safety and health are key, especially during the winter months. Go slowly while driving and keep your energy bill low while still staying warm.