JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, along with federal, state, and local officials, hundreds of volunteers, faith-based organizations, and private sector partners continue to respond to the severe winter weather impacting the state. Sadly, another death has been reported in Desoto County, bringing the statewide total to 29.
Thousands of Mississippians are still without power in some of the hardest-impacted counties. As power restoration continues, counties continue to make requests for commodities. A total of 41 counties have made 878 requests during this winter storm event. MEMA continues to fill those requests. 1,602,862 bottles of water, 395,198 meals, 16,304 blankets, 3,424 cots, and 6,440 tarps have been distributed to impacted counties. 17 shower trailers and 6 laundry trailers have also been provided to impacted counties.
The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to operate two medical needs shelters. One in Lafayette County and the other in Panola County. The Mississippi National Guard continues to assist counties with refueling missions, generator movement, and distribution site operations. Hundreds of volunteers, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and faith-based organizations are feeding hungry Mississippians.
The state of Mississippi welcomes all volunteers who want to help; however, we encourage individuals to join a verified organization or nonprofit that assists during disasters before heading to the affected area. Several donation sites are open in impacted counties. 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
If citizens have any immediate unmet needs, they are encouraged to contact their county emergency management office. A list of those county contacts can be found here. We also have a list of distribution centers, shower and laundry locations, and warming centers on our website: January 2026 Winter Weather | Mississippi Emergency Management Agency