The following winter weather update is current as of Jan. 8 at 8:30 am. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson wants to inform the public that the office is closely monitoring the winter weather projected to affect the area over the next 48 hours. Much of the information regarding its impact on DeSoto Parish has been up in the air due to the southern most line of this system grazing our Parish. As it stands currently, this system should mostly travel just north of DeSoto, perhaps mildly affecting the north end of the Parish.

The entire parish can still expect freezing rain, frozen roadways/bridges, and very very cold conditions. Of course, all of these details are subject to change as the system moves closer to the area and reports become more confident. Be sure to watch your local weather reports, and have the DeSoto Sheriff App for Severe Weather notifications.

Here are some things to consider, given the possibilities:
– Take necessary actions to ensure Pets have somewhere to go.
– Be prepared in the event electricity goes out.
– Check generators, bring dry firewood closer, and check batteries in flashlights.
– Remember, bridges tend to ice over first. Try to stay off the roadways as much as possible.
– If driving, take your time and be extra careful when braking and turning.
– When/if building snowmen always remember, it’s a button nose, not a carrot. Don’t be ridiculous, the song is very clear on this. Pics or it didn’t happen.