Mississippi Continues Power Restoration Amid Cold, Winter Damage

Utility companies in Mississippi have made significant progress in restoring power following severe winter weather. As of now, approximately 71,800 outages remain, down from a peak of about 180,000, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

The recent cold front brought high winds, causing additional outages and affecting some lines that had just been reconnected. MEMA reports that 41 counties have submitted 560 requests for assistance, with personnel and resources being deployed to affected areas.

Damage assessments indicate that 292 homes, 22 businesses, and 10 farms have been impacted statewide. Additionally, 21 public roads have suffered major damage, while 63 have minor damage, though these numbers are subject to change as evaluations continue.

Temperatures remain in the teens, with forecasts predicting they will stay below freezing until sometime Monday afternoon and only briefly on Sunday. To assist residents, 84 warming centers and shelters are open in 49 counties. Information on locations can be found at the MEMA website.

MEMA also reports that water systems may be affected in many communities due to the cold. The agency has stockpiles of water ready for rapid deployment, and the Mississippi State Department of Health’s water systems expert is monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents experiencing water issues are advised to contact local emergency managers for assistance.

Officials urge residents to check on family, friends, and neighbors during the ongoing winter storm and its aftermath.

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