To those of us hoping for a big snowfall this weekend, the National Weather Service has some bad news.

Most of what is expected to fall from the heavens this weekend will be sleet, and lots of it, perhaps as much as three inches.

In fact, National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Chiuppi used the word “unprecedented” to describe the amount of sleet that is expected to begin falling late Friday, Jan. 23, and continue all day Saturday. Any snow we get would likely fall Sunday, but it’s not expected to be more than 1-2 inches at best.

Your phone’s wrong: Expect sleet and snow, not an apocalypse

“I know most people want to see snow, but really at this point it looks like it’s going to be sleet and the sleet is going to be especially impactful,” he said. “This amount of sleet is just kind of unprecedented. … I don’t think many of us have seen this much sleet all at once in our lives before, so it’s kind of a unique situation.”

Memphis Mayor Paul Young declared a state of emergency on Friday, Jan. 23. 

The state of emergency will last for seven days — and may be extended in seven-day increments. The emergency declaration allows the city to seek reimbursement for emergency expenses incurred during the storm scheduled to hit Memphis this weekend. 

The state of emergency makes it easier for the City of Memphis government to spend money to deal with the storm, waives certain contracting rules and makes it easier to rent equipment or employ permanent or temporary workers, according to the state law that authorizes municipalities to declare states of emergency. 

As Memphians prepare for the incoming severe weather, announcements for closings will increase. 

Warming centers

To help residents stay safe during extreme cold, the City of Memphis is partnering with the Hospitality Hub to operate a warming center at First Baptist Church, 200 East Parkway N.

Transportation to the warming center can be arranged by calling 901-486-0939 during operating hours.