The city of Oxford is requesting that all citizens stay off the roads as light rain wreaks havoc on already icy roads.

“Unless you have an emergency, citizens are requested to stay off the streets. The added precipitation has made streets impassible,” stated an announcement sent out this morning on the city’s social media sites and the city’s emergency notification system.

Rain and freezing rain are expected to continue throughout the day. While the high temperature today could reach 36 degrees, it will drop down to around 24 this evening, causing more ice to form.

The Oxford Police Department said the road conditions are “very dangerous” this morning.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department echoed those comments this morning.

“There are small stretches or pieces of roadway that have thawed but are still covered in black ice. Precipitation that is coming will worsen the conditions of the roads. Please do not get out and drive unless in the event of an extreme emergency. Deputies have been working numerous motor vehicle accidents, stranded motorists, and stalled 18 Wheelers,” stated the LCSD.