A fast-moving winter storm made a mess of the Mid-South on Monday, snarling travel, snapping a semi into a jackknife at a rural Atoka intersection, and collapsing a barn in Fayette County. One key crossroads was shut down while crews worked in slick conditions, and local officials said heavy ice and snow made both cleanup and emergency response a slow, tense grind.
Jackknifed semi closes Rosemark Road
An 18-wheeler jackknifed at the intersection of Rosemark Road and Mulberry Road in Atoka on Monday, blocking the roadway and stopping traffic in its tracks. The town posted a photo of the rig and reported that emergency crews were on scene, urging residents to stay off the roads in the worsening weather, as reported by Action News 5.
Somerville barn collapses under frozen precipitation
In Somerville, photos sent to local media show a barn that apparently collapsed under the weight of ice and snow, damaging a rural outbuilding and scattering debris across the property. That damage was documented by WREG, which updated its report early Monday.
Why conditions were so dangerous
The National Weather Service issued winter-storm warnings and advisories across the Memphis area, warning of heavy mixed precipitation and icing that can turn roads and bridges into slip-and-slide territory, per the NWS Memphis office. "Snowy conditions were making it difficult for emergency vehicles to keep from sliding," Fayette County officials told WREG, underscoring why crews kept repeating the same message: stay home if you can.
What officials say and travel guidance
Town staff and county crews worked to clear the jackknifed trailer and reopen the intersection while tow and plow teams focused on keeping the scene as safe as possible in the icy mix. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel until roads are treated and cleared, as reported by Action News 5.
