Mississippi braces for prolonged cold with dozens of shelters open

Temperatures in Mississippi are in the teens and are expected to stay below freezing until sometime Sunday afternoon, according to state officials. The cold snap has prompted the opening of 79 shelters and warming centers across 44 counties, as part of efforts to protect residents from the harsh winter weather.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) provided a list of available shelters, encouraging residents to check on friends and neighbors during the cold spell. Authorities advise residents to stay safe and warm during the ongoing cold snap.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) reminded SNAP recipients affected by power outages caused by Winter Storm Fern on January 24, 2026, to apply for SNAP replacement benefits. The storm caused outages that lasted more than four hours in some areas, leading to disruptions in services.

Officials continue to monitor the situation and urge Mississippians to stay informed through official channels. The state asks residents to pray for those affected by the winter weather and to remain cautious as conditions persist.

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