Icy Roads Strand Drivers in Mississippi as Cold Snap Persists Across US

Emergency crews worked overnight to clear stranded vehicles on frozen interstate highways.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39am

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Extreme cold weather and icy conditions on highways in Mississippi left numerous drivers stranded overnight, as emergency crews worked through the night and into Wednesday morning to remove the stuck vehicles. The frigid temperatures and hazardous road conditions are part of a broader cold snap affecting much of the eastern United States.

Why it matters

The severe winter weather has caused major disruptions to transportation and daily life across the region, with dangerous driving conditions, power outages, and school and business closures. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions against the dangerously low temperatures.

The details

Icy conditions on Interstate 20 and Interstate 55 in Mississippi led to numerous vehicles becoming stranded overnight, with emergency responders working through the night to clear the roadways. The freezing temperatures and slick roads made it extremely difficult for drivers to continue their journeys, prompting the emergency response effort.

  • The icy conditions on the highways in Mississippi developed overnight on January 27, 2026.
  • Emergency crews worked through the night and into the morning of January 28, 2026 to remove the stranded vehicles.

The players

Interstate 20

A major east-west interstate highway that runs through Mississippi.

Interstate 55

A major north-south interstate highway that runs through Mississippi.

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What’s next

Authorities are warning drivers to avoid unnecessary travel in the region until conditions improve, as the cold snap is expected to persist for several more days.

The takeaway

The extreme winter weather has caused significant disruptions across the eastern United States, underscoring the importance of preparedness and caution when driving in hazardous conditions.