Last week’s weather was certainly not what we’re used to in central Mississippi, as enough ice accumulated in one night to shut most things down in Warren county for nearly 48 hours. And while the worst of the winter weather seems to have passed, we’re still not out of the partially frozen woods just yet.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), more dangerous cold is expected to impact the entire state of Mississippi beginning tonight and lasting into Saturday night. The NWS said low temperatures could dip below 15 degrees and everyone is asked to limit their time outdoors due to the risks of hypothermia and frostbite.

So, here we go again. Hopefully this round of winter weather won’t bring any kind of freezing rain, sleet, or snow with it and we’ll all be left to handle chores like dripping faucets, wrapping pipes, and bringing the plants and animals inside. But, we should all remember to heed the words of Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace before last week’s big freeze and not forget to be good neighbors. 

Whether we are keeping an eye out for an actual neighbor or family member that might be elderly, disabled, or any number of other things that could make them more susceptible to damage or injury due to cold weather, or we’re just being more aware around town of people who might be in need, it could be what we consider a small amount of help that makes a major difference for someone else. 

So, while it isn’t smart to put ourselves at extra risk, we should probably just be more aware that a phone call to authorities if we see something out of the ordinary, a helpful hand where we can spare it, or even just a kind word to someone struggling might make much more of a difference in the coming days than when things are literally much brighter. But, we should probably do those things then, too.