DAILY LEADER GRAPHIC / The local area is under a winter storm watch and a hard freeze warning with snow, freezing rain and sleet predicted.

Gov. Phil Bryant has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for winter weather across south Mississippi.

A press release from the governor’s office at 5:41 p.m. Monday said the National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday is as follows:

• Snow accumulations of up to four inches are predicted along the Highway 84 corridor.

• Perhaps up to an inch of snow is possible along and south of the I-20 corridor.

• Ice accumulations up to three quarters of an inch are forecast along the Gulf Coast.

• Temperatures statewide are expected to remain below freezing from Tuesday morning through late Thursday morning.

A State of Emergency declaration is an administrative tool that allows state officials to position and deploy resources to assist areas that are impacted by an emergency.

“I have declared a State of Emergency to aid emergency officials in preparing for the onset of this potentially dangerous weather,” Bryant said. “Residents should not overreact but should make plans now to ensure they are prepared for prolonged freezing conditions and icy roadways. I am working closely with MEMA, MDOT, the Department of Public Safety and other state agencies to monitor the situation, and we will issue updates as necessary.”

Residents should prepare for the possibility of power outages, problems with pipes that are not fully insulated or at risk to burst and very dangerous driving conditions. Last week the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and other emergency service officials reported more than 100 vehicle accidents occurred in south Mississippi from icy conditions.

For details on preparedness checklists, as well as updates, please visit MEMA’s website atwww.msema.org, or contact your county emergency management director. The public may also access MEMA’s mobile phone application or follow MEMA on Facebook and Twitter.