Local News

A social media post using the hashtag #DriveSmartMS said Memorial Day is more than the start of summer and urged people to honor fallen service members by reflecting and driving responsibly.

An official forecast says off-and-on showers and occasional thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-South on Memorial Day, with mostly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Forecasters say daily thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected through the weekend, creating a medium risk of localized flash flooding across the Mid-South.

Organizers invited the community to a Memorial Day program at the Ripley Sportsplex at 10 a.m., which will include a historical marker unveiling by the Daughters of the American Revolution and a program by the American Legion, organizers said.

Burnside Music Fest organizers thanked North Mississippi Primary Health Care for sponsoring the festival, saying the partnership will help bring live music, tourism and energy to downtown Ripley.

Scattered showers are forecast to continue for the next several hours, with areas along and west of the Mississippi River most likely to see measurable rain, forecasters said.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said all offices, including Driver Service Bureaus, will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 26.

A weather update said patchy fog and rain showers are impacting the Mid-South as 4 a.m. approaches and urged drivers to slow down and leave extra space because of possible ponding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged motorists to watch for motorcycles during Memorial Day weekend, saying blind spots and higher fatality rates make extra caution essential.

Burnside Music Fest organizers said VIP wristbands are available for $75 by preorder and include a festival shirt, signed poster, meet-and-greet, food and two drink tickets. The festival is set for June 6 in downtown Ripley.