Vicksburg and Warren County were brought to a halt Tuesday as winter weather set in overnight Monday, freezing many county and city roads and forcing shutdowns of everything from businesses to schools and government offices.

Despite the interruptions the storm brought, Warren County Emergency Management Agency Director John Elfer said Tuesday afternoon that local residents handled the weather event well.

“I think most people are heeding our advice,” Elfer said. “They are staying home. I think we worked a couple of wrecks. They ran some medic calls, but that was about it.”

Elfer also said the weather could continue to cause issues Wednesday morning, but added the ice that has accumulated since Monday night should be gone by the end of the day.

“I think that we are getting a little bit of melting, even though it’s cold, cold outside,” Elfer said Tuesday. “But, a lot of that is going to refreeze, so they need to just be very, very careful (Wednesday) morning. Now, (Wednesday), it’s going to wind up in the 40s, so all of this will be out of here.”

In the wake of Monday’s weather setting in, offices with the City of Vicksburg, along with many Warren County departments and local schools, closed over concerns of hazardous driving conditions. Officials with the City of Vicksburg said utility bills were still able to be paid Tuesday online or through telephone payment options, but added, “we urge you not to drive unless absolutely necessary.”  

Monday night, Warren County officials announced a number of department closures, including: the Warren County Board of Supervisors, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, permitting/addressing office, tax assessor and tax collector.

Warren County officials announced late Tuesday afternoon that all offices will reopen Wednesday morning.

The Vicksburg Warren School District announced over the weekend it had suspended classes for Tuesday, while on Monday Porter’s Chapel Academy, Agape Montessori Christian Academy, and Vicksburg Catholic School (Sisters of Mercy ELC, SFXE, and SAHS) each announced they would be closed Tuesday (Jan. 16) due to the extreme winter weather.

Vicksburg-Warren schools have since announced they will remain closed Wednesday, while Porter’s Chapel and Vicksburg Catholic school each announced a delayed, 10 a.m. start for Wednesday classes.

Vicksburg-Warren schools also announced all extracurricular activities scheduled for Wednesday afternoon will take place as scheduled and school will resume its normal schedule Thursday morning.