Five weather-related deaths have now been reported to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency during the severe winter conditions Sunday-Wednesday.

A fifth weather-related death was reported to MEMA Thursday in Rankin County.

Two people were killed in a wreck Wednesday on Hwy. 15 in Chickasaw County, just south of Houston. The accident is under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The first death was due to a vehicle accident in Humphreys County. The wreck occurred Sunday around 7:59 p.m. on Hwy. 49, south of Silver City.

The second death occurred Tuesday in Sharkey County, and has been attributed to extreme cold.

MEMA continues to work with county and state partners as dangerous cold is expected to continue Friday night into Saturday night, in portions of the state. MEMA encourages motorists to exercise caution as they travel through colder regions.

A car or disaster kit is recommended, which includes such items as non-perishable food for family and pets; drinking water; extra blankets; medications and a first aid kit; hygiene items; phone chargers; flashlights and extra batteries; windshield scraper; jumper cables; and emergency flares or reflectors.

Residents are asked to limit time outdoors due to the risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Continue to keep pipes protected and faucets dripping to prevent pipes from bursting.

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, exhausting, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss or slurred speech, and bright red, cold skin.