The arctic blast of cold air that is expected to impact the Warren County area should be making its presence known Saturday night and will remain through a good portion of next week, according to Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer.

“We should expect frigid temperatures to enter the area towards the end of the weekend and remain here throughout most of next week,” Elfer said. “There is also a chance for us to see freezing rain beginning early Sunday. We encourage everyone to begin preparations now in the event we do see icing.”

The significant chance for freezing rain remains in the forecasted for Sunday with highs forecast to only reach the mid-30s. The precipitation will give way to clearing and very bitter temperatures Sunday night with a low around 20.

New Year’s Day will be even colder with a high near 30 before falling into the teens Monday and Tuesday night.

High temperatures are expected to remain in the 30’s through at least Thursday.

Wind chills are expected to be in the single digits to teens at times, according to the National Weather Service.

Mississippi Department of Transportation Public Information Manager Jason Scott said rMDOT is monitoring the weather and relying heavily on the National Weather Service forecast.

“Right now, we’re just doing typical monitoring and making sure our equipment is in working order and ready to go if needed and that our salt and sand is in good shape,” Scott said. “With winter weather, we rely heavily on the National Weather Service and monitor the weather as it gets closer. If it looks like the weather temperatures are dropping, then we will pre-treat roads and bridges.”