WHO: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).
WHAT: MDOT is asking drivers to slow down and be alert for crews pretreating roadways across central Mississippi with a salt brine mixture in advance of Winter Storm Fern.
WHEN: Friday, January 23, 2026.
WHERE: Pretreatment efforts will take place tomorrow along I-20 between Vicksburg and Brandon, I-220 and I-55 from Rankin to Holmes County.
WHY: Pretreatment operations can help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, improving safety once winter weather conditions begin. Drivers may encounter slower-moving vehicles, congestion and lane activity during this process.
HOW: Motorists are urged to stay alert and plan extra travel time as crews work to keep roadways safe and passable. Despite these efforts, the extreme nature of the storm could result in materials being washed out, road closures and the need for the public to avoid travel completely. Be sure to stay updated on live traffic and weather conditions at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.
Learn more about MDOT’s latest preparation efforts, including safe driving tips and video from today HERE.
