Local News

The Mississippi Highway Patrol said its Independence Day holiday travel period begins tonight at midnight and runs through midnight Sunday, urging motorists to buckle up, drive sober and stay alert.

Forecasters say a marginal risk for severe storms is possible near the Tennessee River this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds the main threat. Heat indices are expected to exceed 105 degrees.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety marked America’s 250th birthday with patriotic celebrations and well-wishes for a safe Fourth of July weekend.

The agency said its offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Clients can use the Common Web Portal to check notices, upload documents and apply for services; regular operations resume Monday, July 6.

The City of Belmont received the Mississippi Public Innovations and Efficiencies Award for its efforts to improve street maintenance and reduce costs through strategic initiatives.

The National Weather Service forecast a slight risk of severe storms in north and northeast Mississippi on July 2, while the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency warned of dangerous heat through July 4.

The National Weather Service in Memphis said a dangerous heat wave will continue through July 4 and that heat headlines are in effect through Saturday. The agency urged residents to watch for vulnerable people and to stay in air-conditioned places and hydrated.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation said it will halt nonemergency lane closures from July 3 through July 5 to ease holiday travel. MDOT warned some work zones will remain and urged drivers to slow down.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation urged motorists to plan a sober driver and use alternate transportation if they drink, saying the holiday is often among the deadliest because of drunk-driving crashes.

Forecasters say areas near the Tennessee River Valley face a slight (level 2 of 5) risk of severe weather this afternoon and evening; areas along and east of the Mississippi River have a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk.