JACKSON, Miss. – The state of Mississippi, local officials, hundreds of volunteers, faith-based organizations, and private sector partners continue to respond to the severe winter weather impacting the state. Sadly, two more deaths have been reported in Panola County, bringing the total to 23 statewide. As the response continues, the state of Mississippi’s top goals are life safety and utility restoration.
Impacted counties continue to make requests for meals, water, cots, blankets, and generators. A total of 41 counties have made 662 requests. The State of Mississippi continues to fill those requests. So far, 275,832 bottles of water, 93,412 meals, 4,739 blankets, 1,990 cots, and 4,322 tarps have been distributed to impacted counties.
Progress continues to be made on power outages. Thousands of linemen from across the country are working as quickly as possible to restore power in Mississippi. Approximately 55,800 power outages remain, down from a high of about 180,000. 53 generators are currently installed at critical infrastructure sites. Three have been sent to the Burnsville water system in Tishomingo County. As power continues to come online, some generators are being moved to other sites where they are needed.
Temperatures remain below freezing in much of the state, especially in North Mississippi. 93 warming centers and shelters are open in 51 counties, serving approximately 1,220 people. If you do not have heat, please continue to take advantage of the open warming centers and shelters. For the latest list of locations, please visit: January 2026 Winter Weather | Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to operate two medical needs shelters and are treating 24 Mississippians. They also continue to refill oxygen cylinders and have deployed nurse strike teams to assist those in need.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation has reported that they have reopened northbound and southbound lanes on I-55 at exit 233/Pope Rd. in Yalobusha County. Traffic was stopped in 15-minute intervals so utility crews could repair power lines.
The Mississippi National Guard is assisting counties with road clearances, refueling missions, distributing goods, and welfare checks. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is assisting with welfare checks and emergency calls in Alcorn County and Tippah County. The Mississippi Forestry Commission has deployed a team to Tippah County to conduct saw work and assist in clearing road debris. The Mississippi Department of Health continues to operate medical needs shelters in Alcorn County and Lafayette County.
Nonprofits, community organizations, and faith-based organizations are assisting residents. For example, the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are running shelters. Eight Days of Hope is feeding thousands of meals across North Mississippi and helping homeowners with tree and debris cleanup. MS Baptist relief is providing survivors with tree cutting and roof tarping help. Baby2Baby has donated diapers, wipes, and formula. God’s Pit Crew is cutting trees, clearing debris, and delivering generators and supplies. Operation BBQ, Mercy Chef’s and World Central Kitchen are feeding hungry Mississippians.
The state of Mississippi welcomes all volunteers who want to help; however, we encourage individuals to avoid self-deploying. Instead, please join a verified organization or nonprofit that assists during disasters before heading to the affected area. If you are interested in making donations to help support the severe winter weather response, please visit: January 2026 Winter Weather | Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
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