If you have been keeping up with the weather over the past few days hoping for a snow day today, this article is about to freezing rain on your parade.

Multiple forecasts show that much of the North Mississippi region, including Lafayette County, will experience winter weather conditions starting this afternoon and lasting much of the weekend, but administrators say classes today and final exams next week will proceed as scheduled. The main threat for Oxford, as of Thursday evening, appears to be light ice accumulations.

University Communications Director Danny Blanton said university officials are especially concerned that students will leave town for the weekend and be stranded elsewhere during finals week.

“Current forecasts by the National Weather Service indicate that snow and ice accumulations from the storm will affect counties north of our area,” a release from the university’s Crisis Response Team reads. “Students are encouraged to make plans so that they are available for exams as scheduled.”

A prior university release also stated that the physical plant is preparing to treat sidewalks and steps for ice, but students should still “use extreme care.”

The Oxford Police Department also issued a release to urge residents to exercise caution this weekend. The release states that up to 1/4 inch of freezing rain accumulations on elevated surfaces, power lines and trees is expected in Oxford.

“OPD advises Oxford residents to avoid driving if possible and use caution on potentially icy roads and bridges if you must travel,” the OPD release stated.

The university will continue to monitor conditions as the weather approaches the area tomorrow.

“We will monitor the storm closely and will issue additional updates as more information becomes available,” the release stated.

— Adam Ganucheau

dmeditor@gmail.com