Wintry Conditions Surprise Region

The Deep South got a surprise taste of winter, as up to 8 inches of snow fell in central Mississippi and 2 to 3 inches were reported in other parts of the state. The National Weather Service said 8 inches of snow fell in Linwood, Philadelphia and near Clinton on Sunday. Jackson received almost 5 inches of unexpected snow, the heaviest since 1982. The weather service issued a winter weather advisory for parts of Alabama and Georgia. Freezing conditions and a mixture of snow, sleet and rain were expected to create hazardous driving conditions in many areas. Meanwhile, a flood watch was issued for coastal South Carolina and Georgia because of predicted strong winds.